Why It's So Hard To Make Plastic-Free Running Shoes

Summary

The video discusses Reebok's innovative approach to creating sustainable running shoes using plant-based materials. While casual plant-based shoes have been made before, crafting running shoes that can endure a marathon is more challenging. Reebok developed a shoe made from eucalyptus bark, algae, castor beans, and rubber, reducing plastic use by 60%. After extensive testing for durability and performance, the shoes show promise, though challenges remain with material availability and cost. While the shoes still end up in landfills, Reebok is taking important steps toward more sustainable footwear production.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Reebok is developing plant-based running shoes, starting with their Forever Floatride Energy model.
• 👟 Most running shoes are made of plastic, but Reebok's new shoes use 60% less plastic.
• 🍃 The shoe's upper mesh is made from eucalyptus tree bark yarn, promoting sustainability.
• 🧦 The sock liner is created from melted algae, replacing conventional materials.
• 🌱 Castor beans are used to produce oil for the midsole, further reducing reliance on plastic.
• ⚡ These shoes are designed to withstand the same performance demands as traditional running shoes, including marathon running.
• 💡 Extensive testing, including dynamic impact and performance testing, ensures the shoes meet high performance standards.
• 💰 A major challenge is the availability and cost of plant-based materials, which are often more expensive than plastic.
• ♻️ Despite sustainability efforts, the shoes will still end up in landfills at the end of their lifecycle.
• 🏃 Reebok plans to extend this bio-based approach to other shoe models in the future, contributing to the growing trend of sustainability in the footwear industry.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus is on Reebok's development of a sustainable running shoe made from plant-based materials that can withstand the performance demands of running, including marathons.

What makes running shoes different from other types of shoes in terms of design?

Running shoes generally have a large heel, a snug fit, are lightweight, and need to withstand 150 to 300 miles of running. They are also typically made from plastic to meet performance and durability standards.

What are some of the challenges mentioned in making plant-based running shoes?

The challenges include finding plant-based materials that match the performance and durability of plastic, such as withstanding impact and wear. Most plant-based materials like corn and mushrooms failed to meet these criteria.

What materials are used in Reebok's plant-based running shoe?

Reebok uses eucalyptus tree bark for the upper mesh, algae for the sock liner, castor beans for the midsole, and rubber for the outsole. These materials reduce the shoe's plastic content by 60% compared to typical running shoes.

How does Reebok test the performance of its plant-based shoes?

Reebok conducts dynamic impact testing to simulate 100 miles of running, performance testing simulating hundreds of miles of walking in one week, and real-world testing where runners average 25 miles a week for six weeks.

What are the limitations of current plant-based running shoes according to the video?

The limitations include the scarcity and high cost of sustainable materials, as well as the challenge of meeting consumer expectations for performance. Additionally, the shoes still end up in landfills at the end of their life cycle.

What is the ultimate goal of Reebok’s sustainability efforts?

Reebok's goal is to balance sustainable materials with high-performance standards for running shoes, while continuing to explore ways to improve availability, cost, and durability of plant-based alternatives.

What does Reebok hope will happen as more companies adopt sustainability practices?

Reebok hopes that as more companies invest in sustainability, suppliers will also start producing more sustainable materials, leading to broader adoption of eco-friendly products in the industry.

Why is it difficult to fully replace plastic in performance footwear with plant-based materials?

Plant-based materials often lack the necessary physical properties like melt strength, elasticity, and durability, which are essential for high-performance footwear, especially for activities like running.

What is Reebok’s plan for incorporating plant-based materials in the future?

Reebok plans to extend the use of plant-based materials to other shoe models beyond their current running shoe, and hopes to scale up these efforts as the availability and performance of sustainable materials improve.