Adidas is no stranger to experimenting with alternative materials and manufacturing techniques, such as shoes made of recycled ocean plastic and 3D printed runners. These have now been joined by the new Futurecraft Biofabric, made of a new biodegradable material called Biosteel.
According the AMSilk, the German firm behind Biosteel, the fiber is more than just a clean, green alternative to conventional polymers. Made up of silk biopolymers, it's completely biodegradable, which cuts down on pollution and reduces the shoes' environmental footprint long after they've been thrown out.
While they are in use, Adidas says the Futurecraft Biofabric shoes should offer a handy performance benefit over running shoes made of conventional materials. According to the company, the Biofabric could potentially become the strongest fully natural material in the world, and it's around 15 percent lighter than conventional synthetic materials, too.
Consumers benefit from both those changes in the long run, whether they're concerned about the environment or not, saving energy thanks to the light weight, and money because they're more resistant to rips and tears.
"This concept represents premium innovation," says James Carnes, Vice President of Strategic Creation at Adidas. "By using Biosteel fiber in our products, we have achieved an unrivaled level of sustainability. We are moving beyond closed loop and into an infinite loop –or even no loop at all. This is a pioneering stride forward beyond sustainability into a new territory of bionic innovation."
The Futurecraft Biofabric shoes were unveiled at the Biofabricate Conference in New York recently and, at the moment, there's no word on whether Adidas has production plans.
Source: Adidas
