Vivobarefoot turns to Susterra for latest shoe
21/08/2018
Susterra bio-based propanediol is a pure, petroleum-free, non-toxic product derived from the glucose present in field corn. It can be used for a variety of polyurethane applications, from footwear and waterproof films to artificial materials and coatings.
It is manufactured using a sustainable process that produces 50% less greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 42% less non-renewable energy than equivalent petroleum-based diols, according to DuPont.
The Primus Bio, a re-engineered version of Vivobarefoot’s Primus Lite model, features a sole made entirely from Susterra. The material also makes up 70% of the shoe’s upper.
Vivobarefoot has said the result is an “incredibly high performing shoe that is also our lightest and most environmentally sound yet”. It adds that the addition of Susterra offers performance inline or better than the petroleum-based soles it currently produces. The material also gives greater flexibility in the cold and is resistant to abrasion and general wear, according to Vivobarefoot.
Earlier this month, Reebok launched the first shoe under its Cotton + Corn sustainable products initiative. The product featured a sole made using Susterra.
For its part, Vivobarefoot has taken various steps in recent years to change how it makes its products. This has included the creation of a range of shoes made using a foam derived from algae biomass harvested from freshwater sources.
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