Apple Shoes? Sneakers Made with Apple Waste

Have you ever pondered the possibility of turning your everyday apples into a pair of stylish sneakers? Most people regard apple pomace as waste but KIBO has turned has turned it into something magical. They use recycled apple pomace to convert the fibre into "vegan leather" to make vegan sneakers. These leisure shoes are not just a footwear choice; they're a statement of ethical elegance.

The Birth of a Green Visionary

Natalie, with a background in marketing for cosmetics and fashion brands, witnessed the inherent environmental issues in the industry. From non-recyclable plastic packaging to rapid product turnover, she saw the need for a sustainable alternative. After the birth of her two children, she decided to quit her job and embark on a mission for environmental change.

With her husband's expertise in the footwear production and trade industry, Natalie invested over a million dollars to establish "Kibo" in Hong Kong. The name "Kibo" is Japanese for "hope," symbolising their commitment to breathe new life into discarded materials.

Crafting Eco-Friendly Leather Shoes

Kibo's flagship product is eco-friendly leather shoes, crafted from recycled leather scraps and plastic bottles. These materials are broken down into fibres and compressed to create a new, high-quality leather that rivals traditional leather in texture and appearance. Even the shoe laces are made from recycled plastic bottles. The insoles are crafted from recycled rubber foam, offering superior comfort and resilience compared to standard shoe insoles.

Beyond Plant-Based Vegan Leather

Natalie and her team have also introduced plant-based vegan leather shoes. These cruelty-free shoes are created using agricultural byproducts like apple waste, which is transformed into vegan leather through a fabrication process. It takes approximately 15 apple cores to produce one pair of these innovative shoes. This addition to their product line caters to the growing demand from the vegan community and significantly reduces carbon emissions.

KIBO goes the extra mile by incorporating recycled materials into other parts of the Apple Kicks series. Shoelaces and soles are ingeniously crafted from recycled plastic bottles and rubber. To ensure comfort and support, recycled styrofoam is utilised in a manner that aligns perfectly with ergonomics. The insole is thoughtfully shaped from yew wood, which not only offers natural antibacterial and odour-resistant properties but also provides breathability and unmatched comfort.

Fair Trade and Customisation

Natalie strongly advocates for fair trade practices and believes in treating all stakeholders in the supply chain ethically. She insists on fair wages and ethical factory conditions, ensuring that even the lowest-tier workers can afford a decent living. This commitment to fairness extends to the customers, too, as Kibo offers customisation options. Customers can have their shoes personalised with images of their beloved pets or other designs.

The apple leather material used in these sneakers is certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensuring it meets stringent organic criteria. Furthermore, it has passed the audit standards of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), guaranteeing that no animals were harmed in making these fabulous shoes.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion

In the end, what brings the most joy to Natalie is when customers try on their shoes and exclaim, "Wow, these are incredibly comfortable!" This reaction not only signifies the quality of Kibo's products but also reflects a shift in consumer awareness. Natalie's ultimate dream is to see products like hers become mainstream and accessible to everyone, making sustainability an everyday choice.

The next time you slip into a pair of Apple Kicks, know that you're not just stepping out in style; you're stepping into a brighter, greener future.

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