In Germany, sportswear brand Puma has successfully completed a biodegradability trial for its Re:Suede sneaker, which features Zeology suede, thermoplastic elastomer, and hemp for padding, laces, and lining.
The Re:Suede initiative distributed 500 shoes to testers for a six-month period of regular wear. Subsequently, 412 of these shoes were returned to Puma and directed to an industrial composting facility in The Netherlands, according to design publication dezeen.
After approximately three and a half months, a considerable portion of the leather upper of the sneakers had decomposed to the extent that it qualified as Grade A compost, a premium-quality compost typically utilized in gardens and landscaping projects. The soles took around six months to break down into small enough pieces to be classified as compost.
Puma hopes to launch a commercial version of the Re:Suede sneaker in 2024.
Tags: Germany, Puma
Category: Chemicals & Materials
