Women sneakers recycled

A good half of the upper of this vegan sneaker is made of recycled polyester from the Ecoalf ocean project, plus soft and stretchy Sorona® polymer fibers, a good third of which are made from renewable plant-based raw materials. The lining and removable insole are made of polyester. The midsole is made of EVA and 18 percent algae. The latter come from freshwater rivers, where they are harmful to the environment. Here, however, they can be used beneficially, thus reducing the proportion of petroleum-based materials at the same time. The outsole made of EVA gives good grip on almost any surface.

The Spaniard Javier Goyeneche has found a personal way to counter the waste of raw materials in our throwaway society – with creative ideas. In 2012, his label started producing fashion from recycled fibres. Then he initiated the revolutionary Ecoalf Ocean Project: More than 3,000 fishermen along the Spanish coast enlisted to help recover plastic waste from the sea. Goyeneche has the residues transformed into high-quality yarns for clothes, shoes and accessories. A similar project started in Thailand in 2017. Recycling all-natural textile fibres, namely cotton and wool, is another objective on Ecoalfs to-do list. Finally, the label mastered the challenge of finding new uses for old car tyres.