LONDON / SEATTLE, WA — January 12, 2024 — Footwear manufacturer Vivobarefoot and material science company Balena take the next step toward regenerative bare-footwear with an industry-first partnership which aims to deliver the world’s first 3D printed and made-to-measure footwear that is fully compostable. The partnership vision is footwear made-to-order, made-to-measure, made locally and made with Balena’s proprietary BioCir®flex — a compostable, biobased, recyclable, thermoplastic material for durable and high-performing products.
“The world doesn’t need new shoes. We need a new system and new materials. This future is literally at our feet and this footwear will enable us to reconnect to nature, move as nature intended and return footwear to nature when you’re done,” said Asher Clark.
Now, two companies have come together with a shared purpose of using technology and science as a force for good in a revolutionary next step towards regenerative bare- footwear. Balena (material science company) and Vivobarefoot are developing the world’s first 3D printed, made-to-measure and completely compostable footwear. Prototypes are being made using a patented scan to print computational design system that, if scalable, will enable them to make on-demand footwear for individuals not mass markets. Footwear manufacturer Vivobarefoot and material science company Balena take the next step toward regenerative bare-footwear with an industry-first partnership which aims to deliver the world’s first 3D printed and made-to-measure footwear that is fully compostable. This footwear will be made-to-order, made-to-measure, made locally and made with Balena BioCirflex — a biobased, compostable, thermoplastic material for durable and high-performing products.
Stylist: Camilla Perez
VIVOBIOME – a radical scan-to-print circular bare-footwear system
VivoBiome by Vivobarefoot derives from the term “biomimetic” – “bio” (meaning life or living organisms) and “mimetic” (meaning to imitate or mimic). Vivobarefoot, a barefoot footwear pioneer, has developed VivoBiome — ‘a radical scan-to-print circular bare-footwear system’. VivoBiome is not just another product; it’s a new way to completely redefine how footwear is made, used and experienced. The vision is to one day realise Vivobarefoot’s regenerative bare-foot-wear goal – a radical vision for a scan-to-print, circular, system that completely reimagines how footwear is created. In the future VivoBiome footwear will be made-to-order (on-demand) made to measure (bespoke fit), made locally (on-shore) and made to be remade (circular). Products that truly enable enhanced natural movement and will one day have a net-positive impact on not just human health but our planet too. It’s a digital, sustainable, and personalised approach to footwear that will fit for your feet and the future. Precise scans of a customer’s feet, which will be sent to 3D printers for local fabrication. VivoBiome will kick off with a hub in the UK, with Germany and the US to follow. Local manufacturing will reduce shipping, while 3D printing cuts down on manufacturing waste.
Posted: January 12, 2024
Source: Vivobarefoot / Balena
