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These leading shoe companies are tackling the planet’s waste problem by upcycling trash into sustainable shoes.
Let’s talk trash. No, not hot goss — we mean garbage. The average American generates about five pounds of it each day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Multiply that by the more than 330 million citizens residing in the U.S. and you’ve got yourself a bona fide waste crisis.
So, where does all of the waste go? Well, there are various outlets for waste disposal, which vary depending on what part of the country you’re in. The most popular destination for trash is landfills, which are designed to store waste, not break it down. Rubbish stored in landfills can produce toxins that leach into the surrounding environment, polluting the soil and groundwater. Decaying trash can also generate greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide.
Enter the footwear world. Brands are now re-imagining waste plastics and recycled polyester as raw material for shoes — turning bottles, coastal debris, and old textiles into uppers, soles, and structural components.
For example, Rothy’s uses thread made from recycled plastic water bottles for its knit uppers, turning millions of discarded containers into fashion-forward flats and sneakers. Meanwhile, Adidas, in partnership with Parley for the Oceans, has produced shoes whose uppers are made from ocean plastic, blended with recycled polyester.
Then there’s Nike, whose “Textile-to-Textile” initiative transforms polyester scraps and other manufacturing off-cuts into new materials. The program has collected over 135 tons of high-PET content textile scraps for recycling and reincorporation.
Shoe brands turning trash into treasure
Rothy’s
From bottles to bags — want to help tackle the planet’s plastic waste problem? Try wearing it. This apparel brand carries a variety of shoes and bags, including totes and clutches, made from recycled plastic bottles and post-consumer recycled materials. The company launched its own pilot recycling program in 2021 and committed to achieving circular production by 2023. As of 2020, Rothy’s has repurposed more than 50 million water bottles, reports Forbes.
Nike
In 2020, sportswear giant Nike launched a shoe collection inspired by life on Mars. Made from recycled trash, the line of vegan sneakers has one of the lowest carbon footprints compared to the brand’s other collections, according to Nike. The shoes are comprised of recycled materials, including plastic bottles and t-shirts.
Cariuma
Made with ocean-bound recycled plastic, Cariuma prioritizes upcycled, natural, and bio-based materials. “Infinite wisdom is woven into the fabric of our natural world. There is much to learn from the cycles of the seasons and the shifts that they bring for the planet – and us,” the company writes on its site. Plus, for every pair you purchase, the company will plant two trees.
Balenciaga
The Balenciaga Speed 2.0 Lace-Up Graffiti Recycled Knit Sneakers are handmade in Italy with upcycled plastic mesh knit and rubber. The sneakers are part of the luxury label’s commitment to introducing more sustainable materials and practices.
Adidas x Stella McCartney
From longtime partners Stella McCartney and Adidas, a stylish sneaker made from 100 percent recycled polyester ocean plastic. Both labels have been steadfast in their commitments to reduce their carbon footprints and increase their use of renewable and recyclable materials.
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