Sustainable shoes to be made from ‘Plant Leather’

Sustainable footwear brand Allbirds Inc. has invested $2 million in the startup Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) with plans to use its plant-based leather in Allbirds shoe. Ecotextile News reports that NFW has created a special version of its Mirum leather alternative called Plant Leather, which has been fine-tuned for the footwear company. Plant Leather is made with vegetable oil, natural rubber and other bioingredients, with a carbon footprint 40 times smaller than leather and 17 times smaller than synthetic alternatives, according to Allbirds. Because it’s naturally pigmented and biodegradable, it also leaves a smaller footprint when it has completed its useful life. The shoes will be available in December 2021. Photos: Allbirds.