(Archive) Sneature

Biological Material Cycle

Sneakers are among the clothing products that are often thrown away after a short life span. The complicated construction and the use of different synthetic materials makes it almost impossible to recycle a pair of trainers.

Compared to conventional trainers, Sneature is reduced to minimal components and consists of only three parts: An upper, a transition area and a sole. For each of the three raw materials, a material cycle was developed that incorporates a low energy input in production. The final prototype consists of a 3D-knitted membrane made of canine hair (Chiengora supplied by Modus Intarsia), a transition area made of natural rubber and a 3D-printed sole made of mushroom mycelium. Here, not only digital design methods are used to adapt the product to the user, but also, in combination with additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing or 3D knitting, demonstrate the possibility of being able to produce even a small number of shoes locally in micro-factories.

After its use, Sneature can be disassembled, repaired or industrially decomposed and returned as nutrients to the natural material cycle.