A sustainable future is really possible with many big companies working on eco-friendly solutions. Whether products or services, there is the goal of efficiency towards a safe future and a planet that is healthy and habitable for our children.
Layers is a sustainable sneaker system that is self-locking. In addition, it boasts a renewable design that is intended for a circular economy. The modular sneakers result from a project that aims to facilitate a three-fold innovation. This includes increasing product life, encouraging customization, and switching to renewable footwear from a traditionally disposable design.
Designer: Diogo Pimenta
The LAYERS sneakers system was a 2021 nominee for the Green Concept Award. It’s been recognized for its design and objectives. Diogo Pimenta knew what he was doing as he made his design easy to assemble and disassemble.
It’s a fact that for sneakers to be durable, they need to be properly glued, stitched, and assembled. The process is effective, but it makes the sneakers challenging to disassemble or recycle. The unsustainable method now has a solution: a self-locking system.
The new system features three main components: sole, outer sole, and cut. They make the shoes easy to assemble and disassemble. The system also results in the reduction of having too many or complicated elements in the footwear. This then results in easier maintenance, upgrading, and recycling for future use.
The three-part modular sneakers will enter the circular economy. This isn’t the first pair of sustainable shoes we’ve seen, but we haven’t heard of modular sneakers until the LAYERS. The pair allows full personalization and reduces carbon footprint. The latter is possible because the sneakers are made locally in Portugal when usually, sneaker production is based in Asia.
The modular system allows the user customization of materials, colors, shapes, and finishes. The system will enable you to design and create your own pair of sneakers that are like no other. Feel free to express yourself with the LAYERS because the footwear allows sustainability while supporting the local economy. For the eco-conscious, a low carbon print can be noted.
Diogo Pimenta shared a roadmap being promoted in Europe. The European Green Deal aims for a carbon-neutral Europe by the year 2050. A circular economy seeks to discover more innovation opportunities in different phases, from design to production.
Diogo Pimenta believes the Design process is very crucial since it can drive change early. Making adjustments in the design process is possible so designers and manufacturers can refocus. It’s okay to make changes as you go through different processes, especially in the footwear industry.
