WHAT:
Our natural rubber blend is crafted by mixing a blend of natural rubber, SBR (styrene-butadiene) rubber, and binding agents.
WHY:
Natural rubber is the preferable choice as it has minimal impact on the environment during the harvesting, manufacturing, and recycling processes. We make a conscious effort to incorporate the highest percentage of natural rubber in our range.
Before NFW developed PLIANT™, there was no method to produce a fully natural rubber outsole in the footwear industry. Synthetic or petrol-based ingredients are required to cure the rubber for durability. Known for its resistance to aging and abrasion, we incorporate SBR into our rubber blend. However, the production of SBR contributes to air pollution and it can take up to 20 years for this type of rubber to decompose.
WHERE WE ARE HEADING:
Our ultimate objective is to use 100% biobased outsoles crafted from PLIANT™, a material innovation created by cutting-edge green chemistry platform NFW. Our shift to exclusively employing PLIANT™ in our outsoles is prompted by the unavailability of a 100% natural rubber outsole.
We will launch our first collection featuring this innovative material by the end of 2023, and plan to have it fully rolled out in our women's styles by the end of 2024.
USED IN:
Outsoles, Sanderlings and Wader.
