WASHINGTON — It’s only a prototype for now, but Adidas is experimenting with a sneaker made of plastic waste that often ends up polluting seas.
“The concept shoe consists of an upper made with ocean plastic content and a 3D-printed midsole made from recycled polyester and gillnets,” Adidas says.
Collaborating with the advocacy group Parley for the Oceans, Adidas’ Eric Liedtke says the athletic wear giant wants to work with environmental groups to protect natural resources.
“The industry can’t afford to wait for directions any longer,” says Liedtke, in a news release.
“Together with the network of Parley for the Oceans, we have started taking action and creating new sustainable materials and innovations for athletes.”
The shoe is based on the design of Adidas’ Futurecraft 3D, a 3D-printed concept, in which customers would walk into a store to have their running style analyzed, before a custom-fitted shoe is 3D-printed while they wait, according to The Verge.
