Circularity

Circularity has become somewhat of a buzzword, but what does it actually mean?

Circularity is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative approach toproduction and consumptionthat prioritizesminimizing waste andmaximizing the lifespan of materials. In a circular system, products are designed with the end in mind, meaning that they are made to be repaired, reused, and eventually recycled back into new products instead of ending up as waste. In an ideal circular economy materials would stay in a closed loop forever and no new resources would have to be added and nothing would end up as waste. It challenges the “take, make, waste” model, which has led to high levels of pollution and resource depletion.

How to create circular footwear?

When designing a circular sneaker, the questions to consider are quite similar to those for any other circular product. It involves considering each stage of the shoe’s life cycle with sustainability in mind:

  • Materials: Choose materials that are either recycled / recyclable or plant based / biodegradable or even better both, but this is still very challenging. Preferably monomaterial, as after recycling this leads to a clean material which can be reused on a high level.

  • Production: Minimize waste during manufacturing by designing for efficiency and using renewable energy sources wherever possible. Reducing scrap materials and emissions throughout production helps create a cleaner and more sustainable process.

  • Use: Design the shoe to be durable and repairable. A circular shoe should be built to last and made easy to repair, refurbish, or upgrade, so it can stay in use longer rather than quickly ending up in landfills.

  • End of Life: Plan for the shoe’s afterlife. Circular shoes should be designed to be fully recyclable or biodegradable, allowing materials to be reused in new products or safely decompose without harming the environment. And plan on how it will happen!

So what do our components consist of?

And how do we extend the life cycle of our sneakers?

What sets our sneakers apart is the ability for customers to swap out and replace individual parts. If the sole wears down, simply replace it. If there’s damage to the upper, you can replace it and even choose a new color. In this way we want our sneakers to stay comfortable and stylish, and in use for as long as possible.

Take back

When you're ready to return the used components, simply send them back in the same packaging you received them in, and we’ll handle the recycling process.

The components of our sneakers can be recycled separately, resulting in clean, usable materials that can be repurposed preferable into new shoes. This process helps close the loop, reduces waste, and integrates our sneakers into a circular system.

More is coming soon...