Chinese researchers have developed and produced biodegradable shoes that can be used daily and can quickly decompose into agricultural fertilizer.
Biodegradable polyester rubber used to make shoe soles.
According to China Science Daily, a research team from Beijing University of Chemical Technology has developed a type of biodegradable polyester rubber for shoe soles, while other parts of the shoes are made from hemp fibers, bamboo fibers, and corn stalk latex.
The research team, led by Mr. Zhang Liqun, an expert from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has completed the pilot production of 1,000 tons of polyester rubber. This rubber can also be used to manufacture biodegradable tires and oil-resistant rubber seals.
The team has started small-scale production of these types of shoes and plans to collaborate with businesses for mass production in the future.
According to expert Wang Zhao, a member of the research team, the lack of a supply of biodegradable rubber has limited the development of biodegradable shoes in China. Consequently, up to 1 billion pairs of shoes are discarded each year, posing a significant threat to the environment.
