Gucci has launched a range of sneakers that are 3D printed using Demetra for the upper, ‘crafted from at least 70% raw materials from renewable sources (viscose, wood pulp, bio-based polyurethane) and mesh. The sole features an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)-filled interior with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) on the outside. No claims are made about the sole’s environmental credentials, so it is presumably petrochemical-based (although a bio version of TPU is available). The shoes were designed using Rhino and Grasshopper. Cub3d sneakers are available in a range of 6 colors and are priced at just $1,290, that’s US$ of course! Although you may want to read the small print before wearing them outside in Australia as the website warns, ‘protect from direct light, heat and rain. Should it become wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth.’
While Gucci’s efforts to embrace new materials and manufacturing techniques should be applauded, these sneakers feature a mix of bio-based and petroleum-based plastics, which complicates their end-of-life prospects. Disappointingly, the Gucci website gives no information about the carbon impact of these sneakers to enable a quantification of the benefit of incorporating bio-based materials.
Are your trainers really green?
Can we 3D print a better future?