Can 3D Printing Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Footwear Production?

Did you know that 3D technologies could also be used to reduce the carbon footprint of sports footwear? The idea of doing just that was recently realized thanks to a collaboration between the companies Covestro, Huafeng and Cyclone. Specifically, they have developed a solution to produce footwear in a more sustainable way. Using recycled polyester-based fabric (rPET) and the HAPTIC® 3D manufacturing system, the initiative has been a success and has resulted in creating these original sneakers, which are more environmentally friendly.

Nowadays, the combination of additive manufacturing and footwear is nothing new. Many of the projects we have already highlighted seek to offer original shoes quickly and optimally. Companies such as Adidas, New Balance or even Reebok are already relying on this new manufacturing method that offers customized solutions, at a lower cost and locally. Another one of the great advantages offered by the process is the reduction of wasted material, as well as the possibility of using recycled materials, which is the key aspect that makes the difference in the Covestro, Huafeng, and Cyclone project.

Photo Credits: Covestro

The 3D HAPTIC® Technology

To manufacture the shoe and reduce its carbon footprint, the teams used CYCLONE® recycled polyester for the upper area of the shoe, which is selectively coated using Huafeng’s HAPTIC® technology. This process is based on the dispersion of polyurethane. Half of its carbon content comes from bio-based raw materials. Thanks to that, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced compared to other production systems. “This is good news for anyone who wants to maintain an athletically active and healthy lifestyle in the most environmentally friendly way possible,” says Tony Wu, Global Marketing Manager, at Covestro.