Material World: These Sustainable Sneakers Tread Lightly on the Environment
Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
Purified
London-based sustainable shoe brand Purified has launched the Abaca, a zero-plastic shoe “designed to exist within the Earth’s natural cycle.”
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The shoe’s upper material is Bananatex, a textile canvas woven from fibers derived from Abaca plants—a type of banana plant native to the Philippines. This plant is self-reliant, requiring neither water nor pesticides to grow. Once harvested, fibers from the stalk are woven “at source” to create this naturally durable and water-resistant material.
The shoe’s sole is made from Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) ’s Pliant, a latex material. During a process that “encourages” forest regeneration, the latex is extracted from the Hevea tree to create Pliant.
“On a factory visit to Sri Lanka, I saw the ugly reality of the landfill crisis up close, chancing upon a toxic heap of waste known as ‘trash mountain,’” Purified founder Will Verona said. “I knew something needed to change, and in 2020 I began this journey to rethink the way shoes could be made. Thanks to the help of our partners in Portugal, at NFW and at Bananatex, we are now launching a product we are incredibly proud of. At Purified, we aim to inspire a return to Earth with our shoes, but also by championing a wider philosophy inspiring connection and care for our planet.”
Golden Goose
Italian footwear label Golden Goose has released a new, sustainably minded variation of its Yatay Model 1B, a sneaker that combines sustainable innovation and vision.
Made entirely in Italy of animal-free materials, the genderless sneaker is comprised of Yatay B, a biobased material derived from non-food plant sources, recycled polyester and biodegradable rubber. The company said the bio-based upper material is colored black with a renewable algae-derived pigment. The biodegradable sole is hand-engraved to make each pair unique.
Golden Goose also said that every left heel tab on each pair of Yatay Model 1Bs has a unique number embossed. With this code, purchasers can “improve their footprint” through the QR code printed on the recycled and recyclable box—which serves as both a shoe box and a shipping package to reduce waste. By entering that QR code, users are given access to a dedicated area to plant a tree and track its growth.
Under Amour
Athletic brand Under Armour has debuted the first product featuring its sustainable spandex alternative, NeoLast. The brand’s NeoLast fiber innovation will support its goal to eliminate spandex in its products by 75 percent by 2030.
Dubbed the Vanish Pro, the tee—part of the Vanish training franchise—features NeoLast fibers, built to withstand athletic training demands while maintaining “exceptional” durability and fit. Under Armour said it hopes this elastane alternative will address the key sustainability challenges of elastane, including recyclability and solvent use.
“We took a minimalist approach to the design of this shirt, eliminating distractions for the athlete and opting for classic lines that allow the NeoLast material to shine,” John Hardy III, Under Armour’s senior director of product, said. “The Vanish Pro tee’s durable material will not only increase its lifespan, it will offer consistent fit and stretch throughout the garment’s life. We’re proud to have developed the first apparel with this innovation and are excited about bringing more performance garments that utilize the future of stretch to athletes everywhere.”
Hologenix
Material science company Hologenix has teamed with Turkish underwear apparel brand Dagi to introduce eco-friendly sleep sets utilizing Hologenix’s Celliant Viscose, the first in-fiber sustainable viscose infrared solution promoting better sleep.
Celliant technology converts body heat into infrared energy, increasing local circulation and cellular oxygenation, Hologenix said. Studies have found that infrared therapy during the recovery period after activity can reduce inflammation and decrease soreness.
“Our partnership with Dagi showcases our commitment to continuing our innovation and growth,” said Seth Casden, founder and CEO of Hologenix. “In order to support Dagi in this launch, we’ve formed a new mill partnership in Turkey. This strategic move allows us to deliver Celliant Viscose at the most affordable price, ensuring that our advanced textile technology contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of both local and global supply chain solutions to provide our partners with the most personalized options for their unique business needs.”
The sleepwear line is designed for men and women, aimed at promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. Using Celliant Viscose not only enhances the product’s comfort and wearability, Hologenix said, but also emphasizes the importance of creating environmentally responsible clothing.
“We have seen the global increase in stress levels and the profound impact this has on physical well-being,” said Erbil Yildrim, art director of Dagi. “We believe that Celliant aligns perfectly with our goal of promoting a restful night’s sleep. Better sleep leads to better energy levels and, ultimately, a higher quality of life. The unique properties of Celliant are known to speed recovery and increase sleep quality while also enhancing comfort, making them the right choice for anyone looking for the best sleep. We hope this is the first of many apparel products we launch with Celliant.”
