Indianes, a startup based in Barcelona, has launched the Banana Fiber collection, a line of sustainable and biodegradable shoes made from the banana fiber that agricultural companies discard. Unlike traditional shoes, they biodegrade in a maximum of two years.
Circular economy
For the production of these shoes, Indianes is resorting to a circular economy model that helps vulnerable populations. A significant number of farmers from Colombia living in the Andes Mountains take part in the harvest of the fiber. Most are women who support their families from this income.
The banana harvest generates tons of waste. Banana trees need to be cut in order for the fruit to grow again. About 40% of the stems are discarded.
Furthermore, unlike cotton cultivation, the process to obtain the banana fiber causes almost no carbon dioxide emissions. Also, the fiber comes from agricultural waste that does not need to be cultivated and that consumes no water, energy or pesticides.
Through the "#Revalorizatuzapato. Donate your old shoe" campaign, the brand promotes giving shoes a second life from the moment of the purchase: for ten Euro, your old shoes will be given as part of the payment for a second pair.
Undoubtedly, this initiative entails a step forward for sustainability in the fashion industry, one of the most polluting on the planet.
Source: parati.com.ar