As consumer awareness of environmental issues continues to rise, the footwear industry is witnessing a surge in the development and adoption of innovative and sustainable materials in footwear.
The footwear industry has been making significant strides in adopting more sustainable practices. One of the most prominent areas of focus is the use of sustainable materials. This shift is driven by a growing consumer awareness of environmental issues and a desire for products that have a minimal negative impact on the planet. These include recycled and repurposed materials, as well as biomaterials derived from natural sources that are biodegradable.
Sustainable footwear materials can include natural materials or repurposed and recycled materials. Shoe uppers are traditionally made from Leather or fabric. Leather has been a popular choice for footwear uppers for centuries due to its durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal. However, its environmental impact has become a growing concern in recent years. Tanning, which involves the use of chromium, is arguably the most environmentally damaging stage of leather production. Approximately 90% of leather is tanned with chromium, significantly overshadowing the efforts made in sustainable production of the remaining 10%. This environmental impact, combined with the well-documented issues within the cattle industry and the heavy chemical pollution associated with leather, raises serious concerns about the overall sustainability of the leather industry.
To address the environmental concerns associated with traditional leather, several sustainable alternatives have emerged. Vegetable-Tanned Leather is tanned using plant-based materials, reducing the environmental impact of the tanning process. Leather scraps can be recycled and converted into sustainable repurposed upper material for footwear. Alternatives to leather made from synthetic materials or plant-based fibers offer a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly option. Piñatex is a revolutionary textile material derived from pineapple leaf fibers. It offers a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather, making it a popular choice in the fashion and footwear industries. It is breathable, helping to keep feet cool and comfortable, and also biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact.
Among the emerging options are apple, cacti, and corn-based leathers. These innovative materials offer a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-derived leather. The waste from apple juice production and similarly corn stalks are processed into a pulp that is then combined with biodegradable binders to create a leather-like material. The leaves of cacti plants are harvested, processed, and combined with natural latex to create a durable and flexible material.
Recycled plastics are becoming more important in the textile industry, providing a sustainable option compared to new materials. In the footwear industry, recycled plastics are used more and more to make strong and environmentally friendly textiles for shoe uppers. Recycled polyester is one of the most common types of recycled plastic used in textiles. It is being made from plastic bottles, clothes, and other waste. Recycled nylon is another popular choice, often made from old fishing nets or carpet fibers. Polyurethane is also being recycled to make synthetic leather and other textile materials.
The sole, a crucial component of footwear, is typically made from synthetic plastic materials derived from petroleum. However, researchers are actively developing materials with a minimal environmental footprint. By incorporating recycled plastics into shoe soles, manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more circular economy. Recycled rubber from tires, conveyor belts, and other sources can be used to create durable and shock-absorbing soles. Adidas has been a leader in using recycled materials, including recycled plastic from ocean waste, to create sustainable footwear. Nike and Timberland uses recycled plastic bottles to create durable and comfortable shoe soles.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using natural materials as additives to the traditional plastics in the production of shoe soles, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic materials. Materials like cornstarch, bamboo powder, and plant-based fibers are being added to plastic to improve its biodegradability and reduce environmental impact. Oils derived from plants, such as castor oil and linseed oil, are increasingly replacing synthetic oils in plastics to improve flexibility, durability, and water resistance. Natural antioxidants, such as rosemary extract and green tea extract, can be added to plastics to prevent degradation and prolong their lifespan.
In Brazil many companies are using Sugarcane and recycled cotton in their versions of green EVA for soles and insoles Other companies are producing their sustainable footwear lines using algae, rice husk and bamboo fibers in their PVC soles.
Water-based adhesives have become increasingly popular in the footwear industry due to their environmental benefits and improved performance. Compared to solvent-based adhesives, water-based adhesives emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are generally considered safer for both workers and consumers. Once considered weaker as compared to solvent based adhesives, now improved water-based adhesives offer excellent adhesion properties, ensuring that the components of a shoe are securely bonded. As technology advances and formulations continue to improve, we can expect to see even wider adoption of water-based adhesives in the footwear industry.
Natural materials can sometimes be more costly than synthetic materials. The availability of certain natural materials can be limited, depending on factors such as geographic location and seasonality. Although many natural materials are quite durable, their performance may vary depending on the specific material and manufacturing process.
Despite these challenges, the use of natural materials in shoe soles is a growing trend as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. As technology advances and production methods improve, we can expect to see even more innovative and sustainable footwear options made with natural materials.