Pangaia and Zellerfeld Have Released a New 3D Printed Sneaker
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, offers numerous advantages, with customization being one of its greatest. This is particularly the case for 3D printed shoes, which are quickly gaining in popularity as an alternative to ‘Fast Fashion’. Not only can this technology create a perfect fit, but it also allows for the creation of unique and innovative designs. At Paris Fashion Week, renowned brands such as Reebok and Dior showcased their stunning 3D printed shoe designs. In the market, SmarTech Analysis predicts that 3D printed shoes will generate over $8 billion by the year 2030. This opportunity explains why recently, Pangaia, a sustainable fashion company, partnered with Zellerfeld, a well-known shoemaker who has previously ventured in the creation of 3D printed shoes, to launch the Absolute sneaker on April 13th.
What sets this sneaker apart is its strong emphasis on sustainability. The shoe’s material can be recycled by melting it down, thereby creating new products from previously unused stock and solving the problem of leftover waste disposal. “Zellerfeld circumvents the traditional footwear development challenges with their proprietary printing system that allows you to create a mono-material, circular and on-demand product that is both durable and comfortable,” stated Craig Smith, Pangaia’s Director of Research and Development. “This partnership with Zellerfeld focuses on our waste reduction research pillar, due to the efficiencies gained through this innovative printing process which supports our exploration into process innovation within Pangaia. The goal here is to pair both material and process innovation in such a way that it transforms the typical product supply chain.”
The Zellerfeld company is known for its 3D-printed shoes (Photo credit: Zellerfeld)
Will All Shoes Be 3D Printed in the Future?
Traditional sneakers typically require over 40 different materials for their production, but the shoe developed by Zellerfeld and Pangaia is constructed using only one material: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Pangaia notes that their technology requires this specific material to make the product fully recyclable because no other materials are compatible. Cornelius Schmitt, CEO and co-founder of Zellerfeld, emphasized the importance of 3D printing and the revolutionary impact it can have: “We are excited to launch our partnership with Pangaia and see major brands embracing the 3D printing revolution. Pangaia has developed the Absolute Sneaker, which not only prioritizes sustainability, but is also the lightest and fastest 3D-printed shoe available. We hope that this partnership will inspire others to join the mission of creating a circular future and recognize the potential of 3D printing to transform product manufacturing.”
The Absolute Sneaker will be available for purchase on Pangaia’s website on April 13th, with a price tag of $250. Pangaia also is hoping to promote a sustainable circular economy by offering customers a voucher worth $30 for future purchases if they return previously purchased products. In any case, you can learn more about the shoe HERE.
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*Cover photo credit: Pangaia
