Royal College of Art graduate Ammo Liao created these knit sneakers for the 2015 graduation show. The sneakers are called Bio-Knit trainers due to the eco-friendly fabric each shoe is made with. Every part of the shoe from the soles to the uppers is made from a 3D-printed recyclable material.
The shoes are made from a single polymer yarn-like material that is extremely flexible and allows each shoe to be comfortable and easily movable. The uppers of each shoe are knitted flat and then attached to the 3D-printed sole.
The idea for the knit sneakers came from Ammo Liao’s desire to create a shoe that could be recycled. The use of a single polymer allows the entire shoe to be recycled without going through a sorting process, which saves money, time and resources.
3D-Printed Knit Sneakers
These Kicks Made From Polymer Yarn are Completely Recyclable
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Knit Sneakers - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in sustainable footwear through the use of 3D printing and recyclable materials.
2. Eco-friendly Fabric - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in sustainable textiles using bio-knit materials for various applications.
3. Single Polymer Yarn - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in recyclable materials using single polymer yarn for versatile products.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by creating environmentally friendly and recyclable sneakers.
2. Textiles - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the textile industry through the development of eco-friendly fabrics made from polymer yarn.
3. Materials Recycling - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the recycling industry by promoting the use of recyclable materials like single polymer yarn for various applications.