In the apparel sector, sustainable production has now established itself in many categories. Shoe production is more complex, consisting of many individual components, so it’s difficult to make production completely eco-friendly.
Reducing the ecological footprint to its environmental minimum is the foundation of Vaude’s UBN Redmont 2.0 program. For its development, Vaude joined forces with the long-established Hamburg-based Langbrett eco streetwear label which contributed production expertise, material sourcing and local networks, enabling Vaude to participate in Langbrett’s closed loop recycling chain.
Its new UBN Redmont 2.0 sneakers are constructed without any plastic at all. The Tettnang team used only bio cotton, chrome-free tanned leather plus recycled natural rubber and cork on the soles. For those models with black outsoles, used car tyres were recycled and mixed with natural rubber as a granulate.
The insoles were also made from purely natural materials and are biodegradable. The outer material was made with linen, a natural fibre; the main element consists of kenaf plant fibres, corn and natural latex. At the end of their life, the uppers and soles can be easily detached and recycled separately.
The sneakers are manufactured in Portugal, a country with a traditional textile and shoe industry. This reduces transportation routes considerably because the material suppliers and sole manufacturers are also located in a local shoe cluster around Porto. For Vaude’s primary European sales market, transport routes are short, climate-friendly and also seasonally adaptable.
Available for Summer Season 2021, these new ‘eco-sneakers’ will be available for women in an earthy brown tone (Boulder), dusty pink (Snapdragon) and turquoise (Lake); for men in Steel Blue, Cedar Wood and Black, in sizes 36 – 46. (UK sizes 3-12).
When designing the CityTravel backpack, Vaude product developers were inspired by alpine backpacks so it has a padded back and ErgoShape shoulder straps, comfortable even on longer journeys. Its separate laptop compartment is quickly accessible from the outside whilst pens, mouse, tablets and other electronic devices fit into the practical organiser. A vertical roll-top zipper with zipper allows easy access to the contents of the main compartment which can be packed almost like a duffel bag.
As well as the backpack, there are three other packs in the CityTravel series from cabin size to 90 litre roller luggage. All aim to be environmentally friendly, are water-repellent with Eco Finish, are made without fluorocarbons (PFC) and partly with recycled material. Attention has been paid to easy repairability, for example when replacing handles and rollers, so that a quick replacement is possible even when travelling.
Traynor On The Trail 