Eko walk
Eko walk is a sustainably designed footwear concept made from the waste of watermelon peels, bagasse and cotton mixed with a Bioplastic composite. Manufactured from waste materials found in bulk at juice and fruit shops, the product makes better use of waste and serves as an alternative to industrial manufactured rubber footwear.
Form study
Several forms were explored considering the factors of manufacturing and providing good ergonomic comfort to the user.
The explorations were done by taking a live scale foot imprint as a reference for building mold.
Material selection/ used for construction
Bioplastics are plastic alternatives created from natural resources like starch and vegetable oils. Several composites consisting of bioplastic and natural particles like coir, egg shells, banana peels, orange peels, etc. were created and tested for their strength, flexibility, waterproofing and heat. The selected ones were further developed to find the correct ratio of ingredients to make the desired product.
Prototyping
Water and bacterial resistance
To protect from body sweat and other external liquids during its usage, wax coatings and addition of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) could be done to make it water resistance to a limit.
Concept Generation
Insole material would be bioplastic with coconut coir as reinforcing agent, reason being the material was good to feel on feet, gives more grip on sole, withstand the shear force without getting disintegrated when comes in contact.
Second material could serve the purpose of Midsole as well as the sleeve. The material would be perfect combination of bioplastic and cotton which exhibits exact compression and flexibility for a midsole and bit easier to feel for skin in contact with sleeve.
Third material could act as Outsole of footwear. It would be a mixture of bioplastic, coir and watermelon peel’s pulp. This composition makes the material sturdier to maintain its form for longer period of time throughout the wear and tear while in use.
Thank you
