Misato NotoAllbirds is a conscious startup that makes sustainable, stylish and comfortable footwear. Conventionally, the majority of athletic footwear has been made with petroleum-based synthetic materials. However, Allbirds’ manufacturing uses renewable alternatives to these materials.
For example, Allbirds’ midsoles are manufactured with SweetFoam, a sugarcane blend material. The sugarcane comes from Southern Brazil, where it relies on natural rainwater for growth, not irrigation. It’s also treated with minimal fertilizer and processed later at a facility run entirely on renewable power. The plant has a self-sufficient process that absorbs carbon for growth. Therefore, Allbirds calls SweetFoam the world’s first carbon-negative EVA polymer.
For the main fabric, Allbirds uses superfine merino wool and eucalyptus pulp, both of which feature a smooth and breathable feel. The shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles, and they can make laces for one pair of Allbird shoes from a single bottle. Allbirds currently offers seven main shoe types such as “Everyday sneakers,” “Running shoes” and “Slip-Ons,” all of which are priced around 100 USD.
