Belgian start-up NuOceans is addressing the challenges posed by conventional flip-flops by collecting these and transforming them into new, more sustainable footwear.
It is estimated that over three billion pairs of flip-flops are sold worldwide every year, making them a significant contributor to the fast fashion industry. These shoes are typically made from synthetic plastic materials that take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to plastic pollution in landfills and oceans.
Moreover, the manufacturing process of flip-flops contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. These environmental concerns have prompted the need for sustainable alternatives.
One Belgian company has found a solution to tackle the problematic facets of this production process, while combatting plastic pollution in the oceans, thereby leading the way by offering eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for these shoes, made from recycled materials.
Recycled flip-flop waste
NuOceans aims to address this issue by actively collecting discarded flip-flops, recycling them, and transforming them into new, usable products.
The collected flip-flops are cleaned, crushed, and compressed into coloured sheets. These recycled sheets are sent to a shoe manufacturer in Spain, where they are combined with other sustainable materials to create the NuO2 sandals. The straps are made from recycled vegan leather, while the insole incorporates waste and crushed corks.
Its latest product, the NuO2 sandal, is comparable to the popular Birkenstock brand and has already gained significant traction in the market.
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Initially available exclusively online, NuOceans has recently partnered with the shoe chain Maniet Luxus to test physical sales. By creating displays made from recycled materials, NuOceans aims to establish a presence in major Belgian and European cities.
