Conventional sneakers are often made from petroleum-derived plastic or plastic-like materials that are extremely carbon intensive. Yet, plastic used in sneakers has its advantages, such as giving better appearances, strength and flexibility. To resemble the features of plastic and plastic-like materials, UNDO For Tomorrow introduces Nuven: sneakers made from Upcycled Party Balloons and Rubber Tyres. With Nuven, the company aspires to revolutionise the way the industry looks at trash and showcases the possibility and potential of it which could go beyond conventional materials used.

According to the World Footwear 2020 Yearbook released by APICCAPS, worldwide footwear production has increased by 21.2% since 2010 at an average yearly growth rate of 2.2%. As of 2019, 24.3 billion pairs of footwear are produced annually, making the footwear industry a booming industry.

However, conventional sneakers are predominately made from petroleum-derived plastic and plastic-like materials such as polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), making the production process extremely carbon intensive.

Yet, plastic is oftentimes considered an essential component of footwear. It makes shoes look better, lighter, faster, and also makes the feet experience more comfortable. Hence, to revolutionise the footwear industry and make it more sustainable, one has to either explore alternative materials with similar characteristics as plastic, or... consider the potential of existing plastic waste.

The Nuven collection from UNDO for Tomorrow explores the potential of upcycling existing plastic waste from discarded party balloons that are not recyclable and leftovers from rubber tyres to create its multicoloured sneaker sole. In addition, it features natural materials such as its 100% bamboo lining, and vegan suede made from recycled plastic bottles.

The combination of party balloon materials and rubber tyres leftovers helps to add resistance and allow greater flexibility for Nuven. Materials that make up Nuven resemble the properties of conventional plastic and plastic-like materials, including its resistance, and stretchability. Meanwhile, it also makes Nuven super light-weighted, weighting only 186g or 6.5 oz for the woman version.

With Nuvem, co-founders Patrick Dohmann and Pedro Mello aspire to change the way the industry and consumers look at “trash.” by proving that recycled and upcycled materials are just as worthy, and perhaps even better, than conventional ones.

Nuvens are made and assembled in the city of Franca which is one of Brazil's largest footwear production hubs that generates around 20,000 jobs for the region. According to UNDO For Tomorrow, it has partnered with a family-owned factory that shares similar strong values on environmental responsibilities and human and social rights, with good working conditions and wages.