Bamboo, algae, sugarcane, and pineapple husk — these are some of the main ingredients behind a new eco-friendly shoe collection from New Zealand.
Produced by Wellington-based startup YY Nation, the new shoes aim to take sustainability in the footwear industry to a whole new level — a much-needed change for an industry where manufacturers produce billions of pairs of shoes annually, most of which are bound to end up in landfills or the environment.
Both fashionable and comfortable, the YY Nation shoes also have sustainability weaved into their fabric. Using sustainably sourced bamboo, algae bloom, pineapple leaves as well as recycled plastics from clean-ups, the entire shoe is created with the planet in mind. Plant-based glues are also used to help bind the shoe and create additional natural strength.
The shoes come in a variety of colors and the collection features four styles: loafers, two types of sneakers, and high-tops. After successfully launching on Kickstarter, the startup is now receiving orders worldwide.
