Blog Post #7 Why we use Recycled Rubber

Did you know... (#002)
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate also known as EVA or EVA Foam is a widely used material in footwear mainly because its light, cheap and provides good cushioning. An average sneaker can contain up to 60% of its composition and most flip flops are up to 95% EVA. Unfortunately, the petroleum based product results in serious environmental pollution due to its non biodegradable status. It also contains Formamide which is a carcinogen and a developmental toxin so was banned in all children's toys and mats in Belgium from 2011.

Here in Thailand its not uncommon to find old shoes and flip flops washed up on beaches that have evidently been in the waterways a very long time. That's why for our 'Islander' midsoles we decided to use recycled rubber sheets mainly consisting of old EVA products that were washed up on our shores. You will notice each flip flop midsole is totally different from the next as it contains pieces of multiple old shoes!