A circular concept for sustainable footwear

Important results from the project

The project has produced several designs and 3D-printed shoes with a variety of material combinations. The recycling process is reminiscent of chemical textile-to-textile recycling, but cuts several steps by only partially breaking down the textile raw material. The project has produced two batches of pellets for 3D printing, with textile raw material as an integral component. Results from product tests are good. 60% of the focus group consider the best prototype produced would be marketable. The texture in particular is highlighted as appealing.

Expected long term effects

The vast majority of the project´s effect hypotheses have been verified. The most important thing is that the project´s value chain, from textile waste to pellets for 3D printing and then as a component in shoe production, works in practice. Compared with conventional shoe production, the number of materials and process steps is significantly reduced. An environmental impact analysis indicates a reduction of 95% with the project model. Local manufacturing is also a positive societal effect with reduced transportation and local job opportunities.

Approach and implementation

The work has been conducted in two WPs, one with a focus on production and one business-oriented. In the production WP material and design have gradually been improved, using both conventional filaments and the project´s partially recycled filaments. Focus groups have trialled the shoes and mechanical tests have been performed on the SU. I business WP, work on investigating costs, market conditions and environmental impact has been conducted. Results from interviews with experts on the various parts of the value chain and in-house knowledge have been summarized in the final report.

External links

Projektbeskrivning. En uppdatering med projektresultat kommer att publiceras efter projektslut.