Allbirds launches its Plant Pacer sneaker made with alternative leather

By

Chenu Alexis

Published
Sep 13, 2022

Californian sustainable sneakers brand Allbirds announced on September 13 the launch of 'Plant Leather', a new material to its range of shoes. A material that follows the many sustainable ones already launched, such as extra-fine New Zealand merino wool, eucalyptus fiber mesh or EVA, an elastomeric polymer made from sugar cane.

 
Created in partnership with Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), an American company that innovates in materials, "Plant Leather is an innovation in the footwear industry," explains Allbirds team, "a truly sustainable, 100% plastic, 100% vegan alternative leather that contains only natural materials such as rubber, vegetable oils and agricultural by-products such as rice hulls and citrus peel."
 
"For too long, fashion companies have relied on polluting synthetics and unsustainable leathers, putting habits and costs before the environment. We wanted to end that, which led us to create the new Plant Pacer sneaker made by Plant Leather," said Tim Brown, co-founder and co-CEO of Allbirds. "Through the innovative use of natural materials, we will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable footwear."

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The launch of the new Plant Leather sneaker and it canvas version, also coincides with the brand's desire to further engage in the lifestyle footwear category. 

In recent years, Allbirds has partnered with style icons like Jeff Staple and Rosie Assoulin; developed an ultra-low carbon footprint shoe with Adidas; expanded distribution with partners like Nordstrom and Selfridges, and invested with partners to create innovative materials like NFW, "to demonstrate that sustainability and style are not incompatible," added Brown.

Based in San Francisco, Allbirds is present in 35 countries with 46 stores and its e-commerce site.