Polyester / rPet
WHAT:
Crafted from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), rPET is an innovative textile produced by converting post-consumer plastic into recycled polyester fibre.
WHY:
Polyester is a synthetic fabric derived from petroleum and is one of the most prevalent textiles worldwide.
Recycled polyester is flexible, dries quickly and is resistant to shrinking. Recycling post-consumer polyester into a fabric that can be used again uses fewer resources and creates less CO2 emissions, compared to producing new fibres. This process also helps divert plastic from landfills.
However, polyester is still a synthetic fabric created using petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. The manufacturing process also involves the use of harmful chemicals, contributing to the degradation of our environment.
WHERE WE ARE HEADING:
Currently, our satin shoes are the only products that incorporate virgin polyester. However, by January 2024, we will completely eliminate the use of virgin polyester in all of our newly produced items. Ultimately, our goal is to eradicate all non-biobased synthetic materials from our product.
USED IN:
Mesh, knit, satin, velvet, towelling & faux fur uppers, terry towelling shoe bags and GRS-Certified Neoprene.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
WHAT:
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a type of plastic that has elastic properties. It’s transparent and can resist oil, grease and abrasion.
WHY:
TPU is an exceptional material that exhibits superior abrasion resistance and high ductility. It is the preferred choice for manufacturing heel caps, due to its long-lasting and durable properties.
TPU is both biodegradable and recyclable, with a biodegradation period of 3-5 years. Despite the comparatively lower levels of toxicity in TPU, polyurethane is still manufactured from fossil fuels, which leads to significant carbon dioxide emissions during the production process.
WHERE WE ARE HEADING:
We are fully dedicated to sustainability and constantly seek out environmentally friendly alternatives. Our ultimate objective is to remove all non-biobased ingredients from our products.
USED IN:
Heel caps, some of our heel counters and toe puffs.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
WHAT:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic is an opaque thermoplastic.
WHY:
ABS plastic is a tough and sturdy opaque Thermoplastic material made up of three different monomers that are chemically bonded together to create a strong and resilient polymer.
ABS plastic is one of the most durable and stable materials used to make heels. It has high tensile strength and is very resistant to physical impacts and chemical corrosion, allowing it to withstand heavy use and adverse environmental conditions.
ABS can be easily moulded, sanded and shaped, while its glossy surface finish is highly compatible with a wider range of paints and glues. Even though ABS is a durable material, it is important to note that it is not biodegradable and can contribute to plastic pollution that disrupts habitats and natural processes, thereby limiting ecosystems' capacity to adapt to climate change.
Additionally, the manufacturing of plastic generates billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases. However, it is not biodegradable. Plastic pollution disrupts habitats and natural processes, limiting ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change.
The manufacturing process plastic also creates billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases. While it is possible to recycle ABS, its strength is compromised – making it unviable to use in heels.
WHERE WE ARE HEADING:
We are collaborating with material innovators to test their 100% biobased materials for use in footwear manufacturing. Our goal is to eliminate the use of virgin plastics in our shoes, and transition to a production process that utilises a 100% biobased material with minimal or no environmental impact.
USED IN:
Heels.
Polystyrene
WHAT:
Polystyrene is a highly adaptable plastic polymer that is created synthetically from liquid hydrocarbon, which is manufactured from petroleum.
WHY:
Polystyrene is a tough plastic that can be moulded into various shapes and products. The material offers excellent mechanical strength, however, polystyrene is not biodegradable and can take up to 500 years to decompose. The manufacturing process generates hazardous waste which can be harmful to the environment.
WHERE WE ARE HEADING:
In January 2022, we ceased production of heels created with polystyrene.
USED IN:
Heels.
