THE ABACA SHOE by Purified x Bananatex
London-based shoe brand PURIFIED creates naturally circular products by embracing zero-plastic design. Comprised of only organic components, PURIFIED shoes can safely be returned to the soil at end of life to promote the next phase of plant growth. PURIFIED’s debut shoe is crafted from 100% natural materials and features a Bananatex® upper and a soft tread PLIANT™ sole.
Tomato and barley plants were then introduced to this soil to assess how they grew (OECD 208 - plant response). When planted in this soil, it was discovered that under certain conditions the plants grew better than compared to regular compost.
Bananatex® is a fully circular solution with the lowest possible environmental footprint made purely from regeneratively grown Abacá banana plants. Cultivated in a permaculture environment in the Philippine mid- and highlands within a natural ecosystem of sustainable mixed agriculture and forestry, the plant is sturdy and self-sufficient, requiring no pesticides, fertiliser or extra water. These qualities have allowed it to contribute to reforestation in areas of former rainforest that were once cleared for logging, whilst enhancing biodiversity and the economic prosperity of local farmers.
COMPOSITION: Upper: Bananatex® (100% Abacá banana fibre) / Sole: PLIANT™ natural latex / Lining: organic cotton