Polyurethane foam used in shoe cushioning, flip flops and padded bags is directly linked to the growing levels of plastics that end up in oceans and landfills around the world.
One of the newest bio-based alternatives is coming from Algenesis (USA), using technology developed by US-based university UC San Diego, with support and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.
They were able to develop polyurethanes (PU) with the same high performance as petroleum PU, but that were biologically sourced and biodegradable.
The researchers found that oil from sea algae was similar to petroleum so why not use it to create biodegradeable alternatives to products normally made using petrochemicals.
The result is a product called Soleic, and it’s set to be a game-changer in the sustainable production of footwear.
Here’s the company’s thinking behind the development (how it works):
