Amazon tribes inspire biodegradeable rubber shoe

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Valencia, Spain - A Spanish footwear company has developed a biodegradeable rubber shoe based on the protective latex covering used by Amazonian tribes.

Figtree Factory Studio SL has developed One Moment, which is made from “internationally certified biopolymers and biodegradable colour master batches,” a spokesman told ERJ, 2 April. The biopolymer is a synthetic rubber although the company did not specify further.

The idea for the product came from the “necessity to protect our feet quickly,” in an environmental friendly manner that is cheap for the consumer, Figtree said. It was adapted from the habits of the Amazon Wild Forest tribes, who paint the soles of their feet with natural latex, obtained from Hevea trees, in order to protect them from the elements.

However, whereas the Amazon natives just covered the soles of their feet with the resin, Figtree has developed a closed design approach.

The spokesman noted that the development process was “long, expensive and painful” until the company found the right material balance and production system. The One Moment shows, which cost Euro 10 a pair, are biodegradeable. They can be degraded in a compost procedure once they are no longer needed, the spokesman said. The shoes can be folded up into small packets and can be customised to customers' requirements.

The shoes are 100 percent made in Spain, in the company's factory in Alicante. They are exported globally, through a network of distributors and international sales offices.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Website of One Moment