<
https://www.positive.news/environment/footwear-but-no-footprint-designers-step-up-with-fully-biodegradable-shoes/>
"From foams to fabrics and coatings to cushions, around 40 materials and
fabrication methods are involved in the making of a typical shoe. Their
development, production and transport – not to mention the synthetic glues that
bind them together – often deliver a mighty kick to the environment.
Now, the OXMAN design lab has unveiled the O° shoe: “fully biodegradable”
footwear that’s made entirely from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are
organic materials produced by bacteria that consume carbon dioxide, methane or
food waste, making them a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
The shoe features a knitted PHA yarn base on to which PHA outer layers are 3D
printed. The process involves no petrochemicals or glues, says the company, and
only bacteria-derived pigments are used as dyes.
Neri Oxman, CEO and founder of Oxman, said the technology “seeks to minimize
harm in its conception and nourish the environment in its afterlife”.
The company is now exploring potential partners and investors to bring the
production of O° shoes – plus textiles – to scale and to market."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
