Can Old Tires be Recycled into Rubber Shoes? A Sustainable Solution
Everybody knows that protecting our planet starts with each and every one of us, but this doesn’t mean things can just change overnight. Projects like DBRIS give us hope that reducing the environmental footprint is actually possible with the right approach, as long as people keep investing in new ideas to help in this regard.
DBRIS is all about shoes made from trash and recycled materials such as plastic found in the oceans and old car tires. Recycled ocean plastic and post-consumer PET are used for the upper, while recycled rubber from car tires is used for the sole. Even the laces and the inside part of the shoes are made from recycled and organic materials.
The majority of the outer soles are made from car tires, complemented with a mix of natural rubber and recycled rubber scraps. The upper canvas is made from high-quality polyester yarn, mostly recycled post-consumer plastic, which is collected directly from the oceans and beaches by local fishermen and NGOs. Inside the shoes, a mix of recycled and certified organic cotton helps to increase comfort, while the laces are made from a blend of recycled materials. The insoles are made from PU EVA and cork, all of which are recycled scraps from the factory.
D’BRIS shoes help preserve natural resources and keep the oceans cleaner. The shoes are hand-made in Spain and the materials come from regions around the country. They are available in all black or a combination of white and black, and can be purchased by both women and men in sizes 36-46 EU (5.5-12 US).
Recycling Old Tires for Shoes
While tires are typically discarded, they can indeed be used to create useful products, such as rubber shoes. Traditionally, radial tires, which have wires running through them, are easier to cut and fashion into shoes due to their design. This makes them an ideal candidate for recycling.
One only needs to look at historical examples to see that old tires can be creatively repurposed. During the Vietnam War, the NVA/Vietcong made flip-flops and other footwear from used tires. Similarly, there are projects where people have made woolen chairs out of tire rubber—many things can be created from tires.
The process of turning old tires into rubber shoes is both sustainable and innovative. By repurposing these materials, we not only reduce waste but also create durable and stylish footwear. The use of recycled and organic materials in D’BRIS shoes sets a new standard for sustainable fashion.
A Sustainable Approach to Fashion
It is encouraging to see companies like D’BRIS leading the way in sustainable fashion. By focusing on using recycled materials, they address several environmental challenges, including reducing plastic pollution and the need for new natural resources. Not only does this reduce the environmental footprint, but it also promotes a culture of recycling and responsible consumption.
As we continue to prioritize sustainability in our lives, it is commendable to see such innovative solutions being implemented. D’BRIS shoes are just one example of how we can turn waste into fashion, promoting a circular economy where discarded materials are repurposed and resources are conserved.
In conclusion, DBRIS shoes not only provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative, but they also showcase the potential of repurposing waste materials. By embracing these practices, we can contribute to a greener future, one step at a time.