Satellite Labs - Fully Sustainable, Recyclable, 3D Printed Sneakers
Lead Participant:
SATELLITE LABS LTD
Abstract
Introducing the Future of Footwear: A Sustainable Step Forward
In a world where we all share a deep-rooted love for footwear, it's astounding to learn that over 20 billion shoes are manufactured annually, with a disheartening 300 million discarded and a staggering 95% ending up in landfills. What's more, traditional shoe manufacturing relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing a significant 1.4% to global greenhouse gas emissions---just shy of the entire aviation industry's environmental impact.
Satellite Labs' groundbreaking proposal is set to change the game by pioneering a fresh approach to footwear manufacturing. Imagine shoes crafted as singular, unified pieces, using a single material, all made possible through cutting-edge 3D printing technology. These shoes will be constructed from recyclable materials, with an ambitious vision to transition to biodegradable ones. This innovative footwear concept blends TPU with compostable, biodegradable polymer materials.
So, what sets this project apart? For starters, by harnessing the power of 3D printing, we eliminate the resource-intensive process of creating manufacturing molds. This not only saves energy but also unleashes limitless design possibilities and enhances wearer comfort. Each pair of shoes is individually tailored to the wearer, featuring a breathable lattice structure for maximum comfort. Beyond personalisation, this approach safeguards wearers from potential joint issues and plays a pivotal role in a circular solution. Strategic collaborations with experts in decomposition and biodegradation, along with access to an industrial composting facility, ensure the safe and sustainable return of our products to the Earth. In essence, this project is poised to transform the footwear industry from a wasteful endeavour into a shining example of circularity.
This project will not only change the way we think about our shoes but also inspire a more sustainable and circular future. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the evolution of footwear - a step forward toward a greener, more responsible world of fashion and comfort.
In a world where we all share a deep-rooted love for footwear, it's astounding to learn that over 20 billion shoes are manufactured annually, with a disheartening 300 million discarded and a staggering 95% ending up in landfills. What's more, traditional shoe manufacturing relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing a significant 1.4% to global greenhouse gas emissions---just shy of the entire aviation industry's environmental impact.
Satellite Labs' groundbreaking proposal is set to change the game by pioneering a fresh approach to footwear manufacturing. Imagine shoes crafted as singular, unified pieces, using a single material, all made possible through cutting-edge 3D printing technology. These shoes will be constructed from recyclable materials, with an ambitious vision to transition to biodegradable ones. This innovative footwear concept blends TPU with compostable, biodegradable polymer materials.
So, what sets this project apart? For starters, by harnessing the power of 3D printing, we eliminate the resource-intensive process of creating manufacturing molds. This not only saves energy but also unleashes limitless design possibilities and enhances wearer comfort. Each pair of shoes is individually tailored to the wearer, featuring a breathable lattice structure for maximum comfort. Beyond personalisation, this approach safeguards wearers from potential joint issues and plays a pivotal role in a circular solution. Strategic collaborations with experts in decomposition and biodegradation, along with access to an industrial composting facility, ensure the safe and sustainable return of our products to the Earth. In essence, this project is poised to transform the footwear industry from a wasteful endeavour into a shining example of circularity.
This project will not only change the way we think about our shoes but also inspire a more sustainable and circular future. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the evolution of footwear - a step forward toward a greener, more responsible world of fashion and comfort.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| SATELLITE LABS LTD | £15,000 | £ 15,000 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Eloka Agu (Project Manager) |