Leading London-based barefoot shoe company Vivobarefoot announced today its partnership with San Diego based BLOOM, which uses algae biomass harvested from freshwater sources around the world (and cleaning them up in the process) to make EVA foams out of a non-fossil fuel for the first time—an innovation set to massively clean up the global shoe industry. Vivobarefoot shoes will be the first full shoes to use the material and will be available for purchase in the summer of 2017.
Founded in 2012, Vivobarefoot is a global barefoot shoe company, offering men’s, women’s and children’s shoes for everyday wear, running, off-road adventures, and more. In addition to encouraging people to get closer to nature, the company prides itself on its sustainability practices.
BLOOM is a performance-based materials manufacturer, founded in 2015. BLOOM offers the first sustainable alternative to the synthetic and petrochemical foams prevalent in today’s market. Using algae biomass helps offset the significant use of petroleum ingredients found in conventional flexible foams.
The Vivobarefoot x Bloom collaboration will start by using the BLOOM algae-EVA foams in the Ultra shoes: the ultimate amphibious adventure shoes. A single pair of men’s size 42 Vivobarefoot x Bloom shoes returns 57 gallons of clean water to habitat and reduces 40 balloons worth of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, per pair.*
“Our goal is to deliver the most performance-driven materials in the most environmentally-responsible manner,” said Mike Van Drunen, CEO of BLOOM. “It is a goal we constantly strive to improve upon, and we are excited to collaborate with Vivobarefoot on the new Ultra line.”
“This is a true revolution for the footwear industry with the first plant based alternative to the petro-foams in ubiquitous use,” said Galahad Clark, founder and MD at Vivobarefoot. “We are thrilled to be the first company to use BLOOM in our shoes and further our mission to make the perfect shoe… perfect for feet and minimal impact on the planet.”
The Ultra shoe using BLOOM technologies — made from algae — will be available for purchase in July 2017 on www.vivobarefoot.com.
*One pair of men’s size 42 shoes
About Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot launched in 2012 as a standalone brand, and is based in London, England. Vivobarefoot is on a mission to change the footwear industry based on one simple insight—shoes should let your feet do their natural thi ng. The shoes feature a patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole in every shoe that protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback. Designed using ancient wisdom with modern technology Vivobarefoot is a complete shoe collection for off road, exercise and everyday wear, as well as a line for kids. Created by two cousins from a long line of cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark are on a quest to make the perfect shoe — perfect for feet. Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials in independently monitored factories.
About BLOOM
Founded in 2015, BLOOM is an American performance-based materials manufacturer based in Meridian, Miss. with operations in San Diego, Calif. BLOOM uses algae biomass harvested from freshwater sources around the world, (like lakes, rivers, and ponds) at high risk of algal bloom. Using algae biomass helps improve technical performance and offsets the use of petroleum ingredients found in conventional foams.
Source
Vivobarefoot, press release, 2017-05-23.
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