Talented Dutch designer Simone Post recently presented her latest recycling idea. On behalf of the global corporation Adidas and in collaboration with the German company I:CO, she recycled used sneakers and processed them into a fabric. The end result is a modern carpet that will now adorn the new Adidas flagship store in Paris.
Modern carpet made from old sneakers: Recycling used sports shoes represents a major challenge
Sports shoes and sneakers are so popular these days that practically every second person owns at least one pair. However, their disposal presents researchers with a major challenge. Old sneakers are particularly difficult to dispose of because they are made of different materials (fabric, plastic, rubber, etc.). They must first be separated in order to then be recycled. This essential precursor makes the recycling process extremely difficult.
However, the German company I:CO found a solution and introduced a system for automatic recognition procedures several years ago. This technical innovation enabled the processing processes to be designed efficiently. The shoes are first broken down into their components in a special recycling plant. The materials obtained from this are then processed into granules and divided into three groups: textile, hard plastics and soft plastics.
The design impresses with a minimalist look
The first carpet Simone Post made was gray. The designer didn't find it particularly nice and even a bit boring. After several attempts, she succeeded in producing two different gray shades: anthracite and dove gray. She used these two colors to create a striped carpet that attracts attention with its understated, minimalist look. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a colorful beauty: the granules shine in different colors such as pink, blue or beige. We definitely find the end result fascinating. It is a perfect example of how old products can be turned into interesting new materials through recycling.
Project byStudio Simone PostinCollaboration with I:CO
