Ecuador’s leading supplier of uniform shoes, Bunky, has created the world’s first sports shoe made from recycled beverage cartons, the EcoBunky.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Bunky produces more than 2,800 pairs of shoes per day. EcoBunky represents a circular future for the brand. The soles are made of 15 percent polyAl, a material derived from the non-fiber portion of carton packages made from polymers and aluminium.
PolyAl is able to resist the pressure of each step and helps to delay the wear of the sole. It has a resistance to heat and humidity that makes it perfect for use across all environments and terrains.
“When we were developing the material, we tested various sole compositions,” said Hedda Naranjo, Sustainability Manager at Tetra Pak. “15 percent polyAl was the perfect level for achieving the durability, weight, and flexibility that Bunky was going for.”
Naranjo was instrumental in facilitating the creation of the EcoBunky, her role as Sustainability Manager had her constantly looking for new ways to utilise polyAl.
Ecuador has embraced circularity in recent years. Several federal initiatives and regulations have been put in place, including a roadmap to the Circular Economy. Among consumers, the demand for environmentally sound, socially responsible polyAl products is high.
“With circularity taking off and consumers wanting to make a difference, I had a feeling it would work. I pitched it to Bunky’s owner and away we went.”
