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Global – Adidas has developed a trainer that features synthetic spider silk.
The sports shoe features Biosteel, a fully biodegradable, lightweight and strong synthetic spider silk produced by German biotechnology firm AMSilk. The material allows for excellent breathability and moisture management, making it particularly suitable for use in sportswear.
The shoe upper begins to break down when high levels of the naturally occurring digestion enzyme proteinase are introduced and fully decomposes within 36 hours after exposure.
Adidas is leading the way in sustainable trainers following the launch of the UltraBoost Uncaged – a sneaker made using recycled plastic bottles.
‘We are moving beyond closed loop and into an infinite loop – or even no loop at all. This is a pioneering stride forward beyond sustainability into a new territory of bionic innovation,’ says James Carnes, vice-president of strategy creation at Adidas.
Synthetic spider silk has gained a foothold among environmentally minded brands such as The North Face that are looking to redefine the materials used by retail companies.