The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The Fashion for Good team interviewed Balena’s founder and CEO, David Roubach, to learn more about the innovator’s story, technology, challenges, and successes and showcase innovations that are driving tangible change in the industry and leading the path to scale.
“The Next Stride: Bio-based Materials for Footwear Soles” aims to validate the performance and environmental impact of bio-based polymers as sustainable alternatives to the fossil fuel-derived materials currently used in footwear soles. The objective is to collectively de-risk the transition to these “next-generation” materials by rigorously testing their technical properties and assessing environmental benefits. Ultimately, the purpose is to accelerate the adoption of these bio-based solutions and pave the way for a more sustainable footwear industry.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
The 8 Impact creates recycled elastomers from used sports equipment and sneakers. With an ability to manually separate different materials into 16+ categories for material regeneration. The sorted footwear is devulcanised and micronised in order to create regenerated materials to be used with a smaller percentage of virgin materials for footwear applications. The recycled elastomers can be used for soles of shoes, or in the plastics industry as technical alloys.
“The Next Stride: Bio-based Materials for Footwear Soles” aims to validate the performance and environmental impact of bio-based polymers as sustainable alternatives to the fossil fuel-derived materials currently used in footwear soles. The objective is to collectively de-risk the transition to these “next-generation” materials by rigorously testing their technical properties and assessing environmental benefits. Ultimately, the purpose is to accelerate the adoption of these bio-based solutions and pave the way for a more sustainable footwear industry.
The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:
“The Next Stride: Bio-based Materials for Footwear Soles” aims to validate the performance and environmental impact of bio-based polymers as sustainable alternatives to the fossil fuel-derived materials currently used in footwear soles. The objective is to collectively de-risk the transition to these “next-generation” materials by rigorously testing their technical properties and assessing environmental benefits. Ultimately, the purpose is to accelerate the adoption of these bio-based solutions and pave the way for a more sustainable footwear industry.
Durable water- and oil-repellent repellency (DW(O)R) finishes are chemical treatments applied to textiles and footwear to keep materials dry, clean, breathable, and durable. Historically, these finishes have relied on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, PFAS are highly persistent, accumulate in the environment and in human bodies, and are associated with harmful health and ecological effects. Increasing regulatory restrictions, combined with brand sustainability commitments and rising consumer awareness, are accelerating the shift toward PFAS-free alternatives.
The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:
