Footwear brand Oliver Cabell launches a 3D printed, machine-washable sneaker made from recycled bottles to disrupt the industry.
Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, with only 9% of it ever being recycled. The reality: every single piece of plastic ever made still exists. Once it’s made, it stays on the planet forever. The plastic problem is huge, but so is the positive impact we can make. There’s only one solution — stop creating plastic, and instead, use what’s already here.
After two years of research, Oliver Cabell is launching Phoenix, a 3D printed sneaker made of recycled bottles, to tackle this growing problem.
“Our mission has always been fairly simple,” said Scott Gabrielson, founder of Oliver Cabell. “To marry the finest design, materials, and process with the latest technology, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses. We feel that the Phoenix is the culmination of what we’ve been striving for since we launched.”
The process starts with recycled bottles that are sterilized, washed, and cut into flakes that are spun into a fiber. That single piece of fused yarn then goes into a 3D knitting machine, which prints the material to shape inside the machine and comes out fully formed. Over seven recycled bottles are used to make one pair. The process results in 80% less waste and a seamless upper with no cutting, stitching or discomfort, according to Gabrielson, and also allows for the shoes to be completely machine washable.
“While we wanted sustainability to be at the heart of the Phoenix, we knew none of it mattered if the shoes weren’t incredibly lightweight and comfortable. We couldn’t have it feel like you were wearing plastic.” Scott said. “It took 48 samples to get it right. We needed to find the perfect balance of softness, stretch, and structure. The shoes are designed to be worn sockless, and includes an antibacterial lining that is moisture-wicking and silky-soft.”
The Phoenix comes in two colorways, black and white. The shoes cost $95 and are available exclusively at olivercabell.com.
