This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

This 3D-Printed Adidas Running Shoe Is Made Out Of Ocean Plastic

"This is how we can set new industry standards."

Climate change isn't the only threat to our environment. There's also the ongoing issue of trash — which is not a threat that's restricted to our overflowing landfills.

A study earlier this year found about eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, much of which breaks down into microplastic in sprawling garbage patches that threaten the entire ocean ecosystem.

The Ocean Cleanup, the company run by young TED Talks sensation Boyan Slat of Holland, is planning to test its plastic-removing technology next year, according to Co.Exist.

But then what? Well, Adidas has an idea — turn that ocean plastic into running shoes.

The German shoe giant and their partner Parley for Oceans recently showed off their 3D-printed ocean plastic midsole made to "demonstrate how the industry can rethink design and help stop ocean plastic pollution." The upper shoe is also made from recycled ocean plastic and illegal deep sea gillnets.

"The industry can't afford to wait for directions any longer," Adidas executive Eric Liedtke said in a press release. "Together with the network of Parley for the Oceans, we have started taking action and creating new sustainable materials and innovations for athletes. The 3D-printed ocean plastic shoe midsole stands for how we can set new industry standards if we start questioning the reason of what we create. We want to bring everyone from the industry to the table and create sustainable solutions for big global problems."

The new shoe is a redesign from one shown this past summer, and although still a prototype, it at least demonstrates that Adidas is not running away from the problem of ocean pollution.

In fact, they are also trying to get ahead of the pack by phasing out the use of plastic bags at their stores by the end of March 2016, and removing plastic microbeads from their shower gel and other body care products by the end of this month.

Also on HuffPost

Garbage In The Pacific Ocean

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.