With the launch of the O° shoe, OXMAN showcases a groundbreaking approach to eco-friendly footwear that aligns with environmental sustainability while minimizing waste.
A groundbreaking development in sustainable fashion has emerged with the unveiling of the O° shoe by OXMAN, a design lab known for its commitment to nature-centric products. On March 7, 2025, OXMAN presented this innovative footwear, which is not only made entirely from biodegradable materials but also produced without the use of petroleum-based substances, thereby eliminating microplastic pollution.
OXMAN has utilized a patent-pending technology that intertwines digital, biological, and robotic innovations to manufacture the O° collection. This shoe is crafted from a singular organic material, which ensures that it is 100% biodegradable upon disposal. The production process, described as a nearly zero-waste operation, significantly simplifies the conventional methodologies typical of garment manufacturing. By integrating various technologies, OXMAN minimizes the need for human intervention in the creation of consumer products.
CEO and Founder Neri Oxman emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, “PHAs have long been recognized as a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. We have successfully elevated the potential of PHA through the development of O°, a new technology for the design and fabrication of products that seeks to minimize harm in its conception and nourish the environment in its afterlife.” She expressed excitement about the launch of the O° shoe, which holds the promise of being environmentally friendly, as it is created using 100% PHA, a biodegradable polymer derived from bacteria that consume substances such as carbon dioxide and food waste.
The O° shoe exemplifies the practicality of PHA materials through its design, which considers human movement dynamics. Each shoe can take on various forms, from athletic footwear to ballet slippers, thanks to its design flexibility. The construction incorporates a base layer knitted from PHA yarn, complemented by intricately 3D-printed outer layers that enhance functionality—such as reinforcement and cushioning.
Central to the O° production system is a compact robotic assembly that 3D prints custom blends of PHA onto textiles knitted on an industrial flatbed machine. This innovative approach eliminates traditional assembly tasks associated with shoe making, such as cutting and sewing, which often generate waste. This streamlined process not only reduces environmental impact but also allows for local and affordable production, thus circumventing the logistical challenges and carbon footprints typically associated with global supply chains in the footwear industry.
As OXMAN continues to explore the possibilities of eco-friendly manufacturing, the introduction of the O° shoe stands as a significant advancement in sustainable fashion, potentially marking a shift in how consumer products can be designed and fabricated to align more closely with environmental sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
