Are you a fashion-conscious individual who is as equally interested in style as you are in sustainability? If yes, 8000kicks creates biodegradable sneakers made of 100% hemp and other plant-based materials.
Their “Seeker” sneaker is 99% biodegradable, while their “Explorer” is 90%. From hemp uppers to algae foam soles, this blog post dives into why 8000kicks’ shoes are great choice for eco-friendly footwear.
Key Takeaways
- 8000kicks’ biodegradable sneakers are made with sustainable materials like hemp and algae foam, resulting up to 99% biodegradability.
- The company’s manufacturing processes are optimized to reduce water usage.
- By choosing sustainable materials, the production process for 8000kicks sneakers yields 95 million kilograms less carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional footwear each year.
What are 8000Kicks Sneakers?
8000Kicks is a footwear brand that creates sustainable sneakers from biodegradable materials, using hemp and algae blooms as key materials.
The company’s philosophy is centered around reducing environmental impact, and their shoes are designed with this in mind.
The Power of Organic Hemp and Algae
You might be thinking, “Hemp? That’s just for tie-dye shirts and Grateful Dead concerts!” But in reality, hemp is a versatile and sustainable crop that can be used for a variety of products, including textiles and footwear.
8000Kicks sneakers are made using two biodegradable materials: organic hemp for the upper and insole and algae-based Bloom Foam for the outsole.
Organic Hemp Fabric
Organic hemp is truly a wonder fiber. Not only is it durable and sustainable, but it’s grown without the use of harmful pesticides, making it an eco-friendly choice. Hemp also uses five times less water than cotton and can be grown without causing soil damage. Additionally, hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows.
Algae-based outsole
8000Kicks uses Bloom Outsole Technology, which is made from algae collected from harmful algal blooms. These blooms are toxic to marine life, so Bloom outsole technology helps to clean up the environment and reduce carbon emissions. Once collected, the algae is processed and turned into a foam-like material. This material is then molded into the shape of the shoe outsole, providing a comfortable and durable base.
Benefits of 8000Kicks Biodegradable Sneakers
8000Kicks biodegradable sneakers offer a range of benefits for both the environment and the wearer.
Reduced environmental impact
The guiding principle behind 8000kicks biodegradable sneakers is to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional footwear. Their footwear is designed to create as few bad effects to the natural environment as possible, and in some cases actually benefit Mother Earth.
The Seeker and Explorer models of 8000kicks shoes have up to 90% and 99% biodegradability respectively – much higher than the average sneaker containing synthetic fabrics.
Not only are will these shoes naturally degrade once they’re discarded, they are constructed from materials that actively remove harmful algae blooms from eco-systems during the manufacturing process!
Eco-friendly
Unlike traditional sneakers made from synthetic materials, 8000Kicks are made without the use of pesticides, PVC, and heavy metals because hemp crops have a natural resistance to insects. In fact, hemp farms are a haven for pollinators like bees, as well as small birds and animals, making it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture.
Less Waste
8000Kicks has two main sneaker lines – the Seeker and the Explorer V2. The Seeker is 95% biodegradable and the Explorer V2 is 90% biodegradable. This means that once you throw the sneakers away, they will naturally decompose into the environment, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Naturally Waterproof
The shoes are designed to be inherently waterproof, so they can withstand exposure to the elements and last longer than traditional sneakers. The shoes have a proprietary coating layer that protects them from stains, liquids, and dust particles, ensuring that they remain in good condition without the need for frequent cleaning.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
8000Kicks measures its carbon footprint and is working to reduce it. The company’s carbon footprint is estimated to be 4.1 kg of CO2 per pair of shoes, compared to the average of 14 kg of CO2 per pair of running shoes.
Less Water Usage
The use of organic hemp fibers in the sneakers reduces the amount of water required compared to other materials such as cotton. Organic hemp is drought-tolerant and requires less water than other crops like cotton. Hemp also fertilizes the soil instead of depleting it like cotton.
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free production
8000kicks ethos is that fashion does not have to be a source of animal exploitation and suffering. This is why they are committed to making biodegradable sneakers that are 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
They only use plant-based materials designed to provide durability and long lasting comfort for our customers, without compromising on style or quality.
In addition, biodegradable vegan materials have a less carbon footprint in comparison with leather and petroleum based products like polyester.
Transparent carbon footprint
8000kicks provides customers with a clear overview of their carbon footprint in terms of the materials, production process, and transport. According to their website, their stated current carbon footprint is 4.1 Kg of CO2 per pair of shoes.
In comparison, one average pair of running shoes emits 12 kgs to 13 kgs worth of emissions if manufactured using traditional methods.
By taking sustainability into account for making more durable sneakers, as well as tracking their entire carbon output along each step in the supply chain – from sourcing materials to transporting raw goods or finished product – 8000Kicks works to ensure that resources are not wasted and emissions are kept at a minimum level.
Waterproof Hemp Backpacks
Apart from hemp-based shoes, 8000Kicks also manufactures waterproof hemp backpacks. The backpacks are designed to be waterproof, durable, and sustainable. The roll-top backpack has an expandable size of 18L to 30L and weighs 1.2kg or 2.6lbs, making it perfect for everyday use.
How 8000Kicks is Making a Difference
Fairtrade, Ethical Manufacturing
8000Kicks has two factory partners – one in Portugal and the other in China – that manufacture their products using sustainable and ethical practices.
8000Kicks Portugal Factory
8000Kicks’ Portugal location currently produces 35% of their total products. This fourth-generation factory has over 100 years of experience and is one of the most renowned production facilities in Europe.
The average salary for workers at the Portugal factory is between €775 to €800 in addition to benefits that include social security, meal vouchers, free healthcare, and education. This location manufactures the 8000Kicks Explorer V1, Chelsea boots, and masks.
8000Kicks China Factory
8000Kicks’ creates 65% of their merchandise in China because it is the number one hemp country in the world with high-tech production facilities and extensive knowledge of hemp textiles.
The average salary for workers at the China factory is between $500 to $600, and they receive benefits such as social security, free food, accommodation, free healthcare, and education. This location manufactures 8000Kicks Explorer V2, Seeker, and Hemp backpacks.
Less Carbon Emissions
8000Kicks are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and increasing their use of renewable energy sources. The company’s Portuguese factory uses 45% to 55% clean energy and its China factory uses 30% to 40% clean energy sources.
Partnership with Sustainable Initiatives and Organizations
CITEVE
CITEVE is a Portuguese Technological Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries, and they test hemp fabric quality. 8000Kicks states on their website that their hemp fabric is CITEVE certified.
OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX® tests materials in products to ensure they are free of toxic substances and dyes. 8000Kicks states on their website that they only use OEKO-TEX® certified textiles.
One Tree Planted
8000Kicks has a partnership with One Tree Planted to support reforestation projects. For every pair of shoes purchased from 8000Kicks, a tree is planted to help fight deforestation.
Additional Eco-Conscious Features
8000Kicks sneakers provide more eco-friendly features such as a splash-proof design, zero-waste packaging and collaborations with many sustainable initiatives.
Splash-proof design
With 8000Kicks, you don’t have to worry about the elements ruining your shoes. Unlike traditional sneakers that often absorb water and become heavy or soggy in wet conditions, the splash-proof design of these biodegradable hemp sneakers repels liquid so that no matter what kind of weather you face on your adventures, your shoes will remain lightweight and dry.
This innovative feature is also essential for keeping up with high ballistic demands while protecting the natural integrity of the hemp fibers used in production. Not only does this ensure durability and top quality performance but it also contributes to reducing environmental impact since no additional processes are required for making them waterproof.
Zero-waste packaging
With the goal to reduce their environmental footprint, 8000kicks has implemented zero-waste packaging in all of its designs and shipping. This standards eliminates any plastic or non-recyclable materials which minimizes waste during production, design, packaging, and shipping.
It is an effort to reach a more sustainable future by eliminating electronic products from landfills while giving people access to environmentally friendly shoes. By utilizing this process, brands such as Calvin Klein have set goals like becoming a zero-waste company by 2030 and Zara being able to contribute zero waste to landfills by 2025 through initiatives that include reusing bags, boxes and hangers.
All of these efforts help maintain the environment’s integrity while providing stylish sustainable wears for individuals looking for quality eco-friendly clothing options.
Collaborations with sustainable initiatives
8000Kicks takes their environmental stewardship seriously and is committed to finding innovative ways to work with like-minded collaborators on projects that reduce the impact of their production process and promote sustainable practices.
The company seeks to forge meaningful partnerships with a variety of organizations, ranging from collaborations with other startups in the hemp space, such as natural dyes suppliers or accessory makers; specialist technical partners who bring expertise in sustainably sourcing materials and technologies; non-profit initiatives that support local causes; or direct efforts to benefit charity programs around the world.
By partnering up with various sustainable solutions providers, 8000kicks has already made significant improvements in its overall carbon footprint while also collaborating with rural communities worldwide whose industries rely heavily upon farming hemp fiber for textile use.
FAQS
Commonly asked questions about the 8000kicks biodegradable sneakers, such as what materials they are made from, their benefits, and whether they are non-toxic or not.
What does biodegradable shoes mean?
Biodegradable shoes refer to a range of footwear produced from earth-friendly materials that do not end up in landfills. The materials used, such as hemp and algae plastic, have been carefully designed for a natural break down over time through the activity of living organisms like bacteria or fungi.
This means they can be recycled and reused, minimising our environmental impact compared to traditional mass-produced sneakers made with synthetic fabrics which take hundreds of years to decompose.
Furthermore, many biodegradable shoe companies (such as 8000Kicks) focus on ethical manufacturing practices offering transparent carbon footprints so consumers are aware of their ecological footprint before purchasing any sensitive items.
What are biodegradable shoes made of?
Biodegradable shoes are usually a combination of natural and sustainable materials like rubber, hemp, and algae plastic. Manufacturers of biodegradable shoes often prioritize the use of renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint when producing their products.
Hemp is used in many eco-friendly footwear options as it has great breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making for comfortable wear with its strong fibers. Alongside rubber and algae plastic, these are just some examples of sustainable materials used in biodegradable shoes that have higher levels of sustainability than traditional leather or other petroleum-based synthetic material commonly found in sneakers.
What are the benefits of biodegradable shoes?
Biodegradable shoes offer a sustainable option for those looking to integrate their fashion conscious choices with a green lifestyle. By using colorless, breathable, and vegan-friendly materials such as hemp, algae blooms, zero-waste packaging and splash proof designs helps reduce waste in the production of these shoes which will significantly lower their carbon footprint.
Additionally materials like hemp are incredibly strong and durable but remains lightweight compared to fabric alternatives making it an eco-friendly choice of material that offers foot protection without pollution or compromise on style.
Furthermore biodegradable shoes can be made from naturally obtained resources such as industrial hemp which has excellent water conservation properties helping preserve precious resources while also being a carbon sequester when cultivated correctly further helping combat global warming and climate change over time.
Are 8000Kicks hemp non-toxic?
Absolutely! The hemp used in 8000Kicks is tested and certified to ensure that all materials are non-toxic and free of any hazardous components or materials. Hemp not only provides comfort, breathability, and durability but also meets the highest environmental standards for fabric.
It has been legal everywhere in the world since December 2018 and contains less than 0.3% of psychoactive components making it infinitely safer than marijuana products. So wearing hemp shoes from8000kicks is safe for everyone — no matter what environment they’re traversing.
Is hemp a good material for shoes?
Hemp delivers breathable, durable and sustainable shoes that are comfortable for all day wear. Hemp is a strong fiber due to its complex molecular structure, which also makes it tear-resistant and long-lasting – meaning hemp shoes will look great for longer.
It is lightweight yet incredibly strong. Furthermore, hemp fabric has moisture-wicking properties that keep your feet cool in hot weather and warm in colder temperatures. All of this combined makes hemp an excellent material for footwear; proven to provide superior strength without compromising on comfort.
Additionally, as the most eco-friendly option available on the market today with regards to environmental footprint reduction – 8000kicks’ use of biodegradable Hemp ensures their customers can enjoy guilt free style while helping reduce our impact on planet earth!
Conclusion: Choosing 8000kicks for Sustainable and Stylish Footwear
8000kicks is a sustainable footwear brand that has changed the shoe game—introducing biodegradable and plant-based sneakers for fashion-conscious individuals. By combining hemp upper with vegan materials such as rubber, algae foam and water repellent hemp insole, 8000kicks produces shoes that are both stylish and durable.
The eco-conscious features of their shoes offer reduced water consumption, zero waste packaging, carbon neutral production processes, and fair labor practices. This ensures customers have access to not just great looking but also environmentally friendly shoes.
Furthermore, Hemp fabric used in the sneakers offers breathability and greater durability compared to traditional cotton fabrics. With their commitment towards sustainability backed by ethical manufacturing standards, purchasing from 8000kicks is clearly an investment worth making for any individual looking for fashionable yet responsible alternatives.
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