ID.EIGHT, a Florentine brand founded in 2019, is making a name for itself in the footwear market thanks to its innovative production of sustainable, unisex and cruelty-free sneakers made from materials derived from food industry waste. Co-founders Dong Seon Lee, a South Korean designer, and Giuliana Borzillo, an Italian product manager, have combined their experiences to create a brand that combines manufacturing tradition and innovative technology to address the problem of wasted resources. The goal is to offer a product that not only respects the environment, but also promotes conscious and sustainable fashion.
Sustainable and Innovative Materials
The heart of ID.EIGHT's innovation lies in their choice of materials. Their sneakers are made from bio-based materials such as Uppeal and Vegea, made from the bio-polymerization of apple peels and pomace, Pinatex, made from pineapple leaves, and BioVeg, derived from corn. These materials, which transform food waste into strikingly textured fabrics, are used for the shoe uppers. The lining and insole are made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. Even the packaging is designed to reduce environmental impact: the boxes are made of recycled paper and include a "seed bomb" to promote biodiversity and contribute to bee life.
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Significant Initiatives and Collaborations
ID.EIGHT has attracted global attention through significant collaborations and innovative initiatives. One of the most recent is the creation of the Limited Edition "Hellmann's 1352: Refreshed Sneakers" for Hellmann's Canada (Unilever), as part of the "Make Taste, Not Waste" campaign to raise awareness of food waste. The shoes, made in the distinctive yellow and blue colors of the mayonnaise brand, are not for sale but are available through a charity drawing. The number 1352 represents the monetary value of food wasted annually by an average Canadian family. Each entry in the raffle results in a donation from Hellmann's to the Second Harvest organization, helping to provide meals to those in need.
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Another notable initiative is ID.EIGHT's pop-up store at Rome's Termini station, which will remain open until the end of June 2024. This space, set up with recycled materials, offers travelers an opportunity to discover and purchase the brand's sustainable sneakers, supporting a production model that rejects overproduction and promotes conscious buying.
Brand Commitment and Philosophy
ID.EIGHT stands out for its commitment to sustainability and transparency. The brand's sneakers do not follow seasonal fashions, but stand as evergreen designs that are resistant to planned obsolescence. The brand's communication is focused on raising awareness about environmental issues and sustainable fashion, with an active social media presence and participation in educational lectures and conferences.
The brand is also committed to sustainable mobility, using couriers selected for their policies to reduce CO2 emissions for shipping.
Awards and Recognitions
ID.EIGHT's success is evidenced by the numerous awards they have received, including the Pitti Immagine special award in Vogue and Altaroma's "Who is on Next" competition, the Green Product Award 2020, and the CALLforFASHION from the Florence MIP incubator. These awards underscore the brand's positive impact in sustainable sports footwear and their role as pioneers in eco-friendly fashion.
ID.EIGHT is thus a virtuous model of how fashion can evolve toward a more sustainable future by combining aesthetics, ethics, and innovation.
Illustration by Gloria Dozio - Acrimònia Studios
Photo by ID.EIGHT Press Office
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