EXP RED BEST AFTER USE
NB: I, Heleen Overbeek, certify that this is an original piece of work. I have acknowledged all sources and citations. No section of this essay has been plagiarised. This piece of work was written in accordance with the UAL Code of Practice on Research Ethics. Unless referenced, all images, graphics, artworks, sketches, and works-in-progress included in this document are the production of Heleen Overbeek.
EXP
EXP RED
RED BEST AFTER USE
Disposable paper footwear for fast fashion consumers Heleen Overbeek 2018
CONTENT •
Introduction 12
•
Research 14
•
Methodology 28
•
References 30
•
Development 44
•
Rationalisation & Specification 148
•
Costing 193
•
Summation 194
•
Appendix 204
•
Bibliography 250
•
RED
Introduction
The project EXP RED proposes a paper-based material innovation for footwear enabling designers to produce disposable products which allow their users to continue to over-consume in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. To be able to produce footwear with this material, a different way of production is needed, which is why the research also proposed an alternative production method for footwear Most fashion products are negatively affecting the ecological system because the products are difficult to deconstruct, their materials aren’t recyclable and the harvesting of the raw materials causes strain on the environment through water, air and soil pollution (Kering, 2017). These post-consumer issues were the basis of the material research of this project. The initial project concept was to develop eco-friendly, disposable footwear for fast fashion. To make these products, the material needs to be recyclable or biodegradable. Through a practice-based methodology, I developed an innovation by combining paper pulp recipes suitable to be used as material for footwear production (certified by SATRA, 2017). This material can be recycled and reused to become new footwear. Further, the ingredients in the pulp mix are sourced in an eco-friendly manner and the products made out of the material do not
12
need to be deconstructed when they are recycled, this is due to the material being suitable for all functioning parts of the shoe. The idea to encourage the behavioural pattern of the throwaway society was conceptualised after defining the two most polluting elements of the fashion industry: raw material production and post-consumer waste (Porcelijn, 2017). By creating a collection which ensures that overconsumption is environmentally friendly, EXP RED shows its relevance by not disapproving consumer behaviour but by speculating on the way we can alter products and manufacturing to benefit both humanity and the planet. The final outcome of the research is a collection of paper shoes and a DIY Shoe Kit. The footwear collection aims to showcase the possibilities of the material innovation to the industry and is a redirective design solution to the negative environmental impacts of overconsumption. The DIY Shoe Kit proposes a speculative way of sustainable shoemaking and makes the viewer a participant in the production process through construction. This creates a social and educational aspect to the collection past shopping and wearing which aims to alter the user interaction with the product.
Research
The impact of the fashion industry on our eco-system is threatening to permanently damage the functioning of our planet. Fashion is the second most polluting industry globally and accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions (Conca, 2015). To be able to understand and address this problem, I set out to research what is needed in order to design environmental friendly footwear that users can dispose of sustainably. The research focusses on the raw material production and post-consumer waste, which are the most harmful elements of the industry (Kering, 2017; Porcelijn, 2017).
14
The typical composition of a shoe, Weib 1999
Materials
Materials
At the start of this research, I was introduced
Having come to appreciate the importance of
to the Environmental Profit & Loss (EP&L)
composite materials in reducing the
studies commissioned by Kering, which
environmental impact, I went about
evaluates the environmental impact of their
investigating what would be the best
products. This report shows that 72% of
material for producing disposable footwear
Kerings’ environmental footprint is caused
that is environmentally sustainable. The main
within the raw material stage of the supply
waste problem of footwear is that shoes are
chain (Kering, 2017). The sourcing of raw
hard to deconstruct when they are disposed
materials to create textiles or leather is a strain
of. The majority of footwear, an estimate of
on the planet. Furthermore, Nike’s chief sus-
142,756 tonnes in the UK alone, ends up in
tainability officer Hannah Jones has stated
landfills where they take up to 50 years to decompose (Fashion Revolution, 2017; Coates
“60% of Nike’s entire environmental footprint
et al., 2007). This implies a issue of product-re-
is linked to material use. Leather, in particular,
sponsibility for designers and a discrepancy
has disproportionate environmental conse-
about the post-consumer life of a product.
quences. While it is only Nike's tenth most-of-
It also begs the question, if people tend to
ten-used material, it has the second-highest
throw away their shoes, why don’t we design
negative environmental impact.”
for disposability?
- Business of Fashion, 2017
15
16
The production of paper fibres is The criteria for the raw material were:
increasingly done in certified and environmentally friendly manners. There are
•
many paper pulp producers worldwide making certified and traceable cellulose fibres
Worldwide accessibility to reduce transport
to an eco-friendly standard, such as Södra in
impacts
Sweden. This makes the material accessible
•
Recyclability and biodegradability to ensure a zero waste product
•
Generate an affordable price to ensure the economic feasibility of the product
to be produced locally and therefore limiting the carbon footprint of transport of a final product. Paper can be recycled to high-quality standards 5 to 7 times over (Holmes, 2017) after which it does also still biodegrade. Globally we recycle 58% of the paper we produce, with
•
recycling systems in place almost everywhere
Ensure the material suitability for intensive
process that is familiar to the general public,
wear on the feet
•
(RISI, 2012). Lastly, the paper recycling is a which means that it is a tangible process for consumers to understand and makes the concept of disposable shoes more transparent for the user. Based on these material facts, I
After reviewing different materials against
choose to further investigate and develop a
these criteria, paper was the best suited to
suitable paper material for footwear through a
these requirements.
practice-based approach.
17
Post-consumer waste
Post-consumer waste
The second polluting factor of the footwear
Designers are able to influence their products,
industry is post-consumer waste, about 80%
but it is very difficult to change user
of used products end up in landfill. The
behaviour. When you attempt to design a
increased waste pollution is a direct result
product that aims to either edit behaviour or
of overconsumption. Since 2000, the global
create awareness for its user, every user will
fashion production has doubled in its size,
most likely respond differently to the designed
increasing its overall impact dramatically
object (Van Gool, Van Wijngaarden 2005).
(Wicker, 2016; Remy et al, 2016).
Behavioural science teaches that human brains are naturally wired to stick to rhythm,
Analysing the behaviour of a general fast
familiarity and the easy choice when it comes
fashion consumer, we see that “ fast fashion
to consuming, or to decision making in
products are particularly attractive to con-
general (Fagan, 2016). Therefore, to propose
sumers who prioritise constant change in their
an alternative product or production model,
fashion consumption behaviour and subscribe
we have to take the existing (fast fashion)
to a culture of impulse buying� (Mintel, 2007).
system and consumer pattern into account to
To counteract this behaviour, the general
design something sustainable that works with
design solution is to decrease the need for
the system, instead of against it.
more products. Designers have come up with multifunctional, trans-seasonal, trans-functional, modular and changeable fashion products (Fletcher, 2008).
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Post-consumer waste To engage users is to inform them. Birtwistle and Moore (2007) have found that there is a connection between lack of knowledge about the negative effects of fashion and the disposal of fashion items. To promote transparency and knowledge about footwear production, one of the final outcomes of this research is a DIY Shoe Kit. The kit takes you through the production of a pair of shoes, from making the material through to hand stitching the components together (see appendix).
21
Business
Post-consumer waste
According to the State of Fashion 2018 this
This project aims to fit within a commercial
year sustainability is going to evolve further
retail environment. When the material would
“to an integral part of the planning system
be developed further and the scale of produc-
where circular economy principles are
tion would be enhanced, this project would be
embedded throughout the value chain”
suitable for a fast fashion market. I will
(Business of Fashion, 2018). Large companies
expand on this further in the costing section
are actively engaging in initiatives to
of this commentary.
control their waste streams and post-consumer goods. Brands like H&M and
The intended user of EXP:RED are
Zara actively engage in resourcing goods
millennials; consumers aged 13-34, gender
from consumers after use, also Nike
neutral and “hipster”. Studies conducted by
introduced a recycling programme “NikeGO
Galore showed that 74% of respondents
Places” (formerly “Reuse-A-Shoe”) back in
would rather spend money on a great
2007. Nike reported that since its start in 1993
experience than on luxury goods (Sherman
the programme has recycled more than 16
and Young, 2017). This is why this kit would be
million pairs of worn-out Nikes (SMART, 2007).
best introduced to the marketplace through
Nike and H&M are currently industry leaders
millennials, to ensure the effectiveness of the
when it comes to sustainability
product. The footwear collection has a slightly
(Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
larger age range, 13-55 years, since the wearing of the shoes does not differ in experience compared to other pairs of shoes.
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From top downwarts: Botanic Shoes by Lyocell; Flyleather TM by Nike; the Virgin Sneaker by OAT Shoes; Material samples of ZOA TM by Modern Meadow
Context The footwear collection and the DIY Shoe kit
Two examples of material based speculative
serve as a proposal for an
projects are ZOATM by Modern Meadow and
“eco-positive business model” (Porcelijn, 2017)
Fly LeatherTM by Nike. Both companies
in suggesting a sustainable way of
presented new materials innovations on
shoemaking and a production process where
traditional leather this year.
the viewer is a participant through construction. This speculative design context
The historical context of this research is linked
aims to critique the neglect of the industry for
to the material development. Paper was
product-responsibility and showcases
invented by the Chinese around 105 A.D. and
disposability as an economic, intrinsic part of
was kept a secret for many years
fashions’ business model.
(American Forest & Paper Association, 2014). Since then paper production has been
A similar speculative project within an
developed constantly. To give a small
industry context has recently been published
example, initially, paper was made from
by Lezing, one of the leading fibre innovators
pulped cotton. Some kind of chemical was
worldwide. They’ve made the Botanic Shoes
required to break down the raw material. The
from their material TENCEL® to showcases
ammonia from urine works well, so for centu-
the possibilities for this material not only for
ries, the paper mills of Europe were powered
upper materials but also for soling.
by human waste (Hardford, 2017). This project is an innovation built on generations of
OAT Shoes is the brand that produced the
knowledge that I’ve attempted to learn from
world’s first biodegradable sneakers which
and incorporate into this research.
bloom. The sneakers are meant to be worn, loved and when the shoes wear out buried so
This project shows its relevance throughout
they can biodegrade. The thong of the
the disruptive concept as well as its
footwear contains seeds, so once a user
suitability for industry application. I am a
participates in this action a reciprocation in
designer developing product concepts which
the form of flowers will occur.
provide solutions for systemic issues within fashion. This is why the purpose of this research isn’t solely to create functioning paper footwear or a new manufacturing system, the purpose is also to stimulate debate.
27
Methodology
Post-consumer waste
Post-consumer waste
The research for EXP:RED is founded on a
Through an analysis of footwear models
practice-based research methodology. The
available by fast fashion retailers such as
material based research was informed by
Zara, Monkey, Urban Outfitters, Primark,
primary research regarding paper pulp
H&M, Missguided and Asos at Spring 2017, I
production, natural adhesives and domestic
sketched an overview of 30 styles of footwear
cooking techniques. Through the principles
as a market representation for a visual
of learning-through-making, I developed
questionnaire. Participants were women
the material innovation which informed all
between the age of 15 and 30 years of age,
the designs of the footwear collection which
which is the demographic group which
showcased the capabilities of the material.
heavily targeted by mainstream fashion
The material based research became more
brands (McNeill and Moore, 2015).
informed through the research and
Participants were asked to rank their top 5 of
development stage, because the material
shoes which they would actually buy.
development presented errors and flaws
The outcome of this research informed the
which needed to be resolved such as drying
typologies I used in earlier mockups in the
time, shape consistency and surface finishing.
manufacturing stage. For the final collection,
This material has been tested and certified
the high heeled shoe (#1) and the low ankle
for footwear use by the SATRA Technology
boot (#6) informed the silhouette of the final
Centre (see appendix). Alongside the material
designs.
innovation, I familiarised myself with the making methods of casting on a domestic and industrial scale.
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Post-consumer waste Along with the focus on material development, I investigated the critical design message regarding overconsumption in fast fashion through mockups with visual references. The mockups referenced to stereotypical footwear, wording or disposables such as egg-boxes or crumpled paper. After critical reflection, I concluded that the use of these visuals in the shoes was not conveying the message, it was in fact creating more distraction from the messaging. Instead of giving the footwear a literal aesthetic of a disposable, the message was instead embedded into the DIY shoe kit throughout its graphic design, this was less in the consumer’s face and conveyed to the intended audience a message they better understood.
29
References
30
Fashion Revolution , 2017
31
32
33
34
Illustration by Circular Flanders
35
Instagram post by Helen Kirkum Studio, 2017
38
Silver by Helen Kirkum Studio, 2016
39
Appropriation Design by Chanel (water bottles), Moschino (earrings and bag) and Anya Hindmarsch (boots)
Development
Development
Recipe
Post-consumer waste
To develop the individual designs, I started
Fine paper powder gives the best
developing a material so I would be able to
consistency material. Jess Lertvilai, the LCF
assess the qualities of the material for
material librarian, advised me to investigate
footwear purposes. This way I let the material
the paper pulp producer Södra. After
inform the final designs. I started the research
explaining my project to them, they were
by investigating all different ways of
generous enough to send me 6 kilos of Södra
manipulating paper fibres. Pulping
BLACK, which is long fibre pulp from mainly
paper was an ideal starting point. The pulp
juvenile spruce (see appendix). All pulp
industry already exists on larger scales for
produced by Södra is certified FSC and PEFC.
paper production and it is a cheap way of producing.
I coincidentally stumbled upon Van Houtum B.V. a paper tissue manufacturer that
The first tests were conducted based
produces according to the cradle to cradle
on several different papier-mâché recipes
principle (Braungart and McDonough, 2001).
retrieved from Wikihow. This taught me that
I inquired about paper powder, after which
cellulose-based adhesives are most efficient
they did informed me that they weekly collect
in binding paper and adding cornflour to the
500 kg of paper fibres through their extrac-
mix ensures quality and consistency of the
tion systems. They send me a sample bag of
material. The pulp mix needed another
the material and ensured that I could inquire
binding agent to ensure flexibility and shock
more at any time.
resilience.
46
Post-consumer waste These materials lent themselves to develop
binding agents, I tried to make a flexible
different recipes with different material
paperbound. I found that purely using latex,
qualities, for example, a rigid material and a
without any other adhesive was the most
flexible one.
effective. This resulted in a flexible material suitable for uppers, midsoles and insoles. The
For the rigid material I used the pulp from
additional ingredients in this mix are mordant,
Sรถdra, because cellulose from long fibres
a colouring agent, vinegar, Neri and a
ensure a strong material bound. I conduct-
waterproofing agent.
ed tests to experiment with surface quality, drying time and consistency of the material. Through this I found the right balance between Sรถdra Black and a mix of cornstarch paste, Neri, cornflour, salt, vinegar and a waterproofing agent. This mix resulted in a strong material which seemed to be suitable for heels, shanks and outsoles. For the flexible material, I utilised the two types of paper powders. By combining the most successful pulp recipe with flexible
47
Material testing To verify the capabilities of the two materials I contacted the SATRA Technology Centre, a testing company for any footwear related material, product or component. SATRA advised me to conduct the SATRA TM 31: 2003 (2014) Martindale abrasion test for the flexible material and the SATRA TM 174: 2016 Abrasion resistance test for the rigid material. Both tests determine the wear resistance of a material. The final assessment of SATRA was that the flexible material is most suitable for footwear use. When this material would be used in the future, they advise continuing with wear testing complete shoes to assess the functionality for upper or soling applications. (see appendix)
Post-consumer waste
66
67
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Moulds To make the final collection, I needed to develop moulds. For the project to function globally, I wanted to 3D print the moulds with recycled PLA filament. After extensive testing, the results were lacking surface precision. I needed to use a different material because I wouldn’t have enough time to sand and refine 26 individual moulds before the project deadline. The manufacturer Re-Filament advised me to look into resin. To source the 3D printing locally, I investigated local manufacturers by using the online 3D printing service platform 3DHubs. The rapid prototyping lab E8 Make was not only in London but within my neighbourhood, a bike ride away. This ensured the reduction of emissions which transport would have caused. The majority of moulds were printed were in resin and a few in Ninjaflex, as advised by E8 Make.
Post-consumer waste
69
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#DIY
Rationalisation
Post-consumer waste After developing the materials I was able to
collection in that the designs focus on the
make informed design decisions which would
flexible material. The flexible material is
highlight the materials’ qualities. The rigid
shown in different colours and purposes,
material functions to a good quality and dries
where the rigid material is used more minimal
properly when the wall thickness is 7 mm.
and only in white to not distract. The colours
It needs to dry in an open-air mould over a
scheme is based on the colour results of the
course of 5-8 days, depending on the mould.
material tests. Components have often been
The material is most suitable for heels and it
cast in several colours to review colour
functions well when reinforced with a
combinations which informed the final colour
material, such as Thermofloc.
choices.
The final material qualities of the flexible material are a significant tear strength, a good wear resistance (SATRA, 2017) and easy production. The material dries within 1 day, in an open-air mould. It is suitable for both uppers and soles, which is why all the uppers in different designs are made of this material. Furthermore, all models have a flexible midsole to combine the uppers and outsoles to ensure a strong construction. The results from SATRA have informed the
148
& Specification
Post-consumer waste These materials lent themselves to develop
binding agents, I tried to make a flexible
different recipes with different material
paperbound. I found that purely using latex,
qualities, for example, a rigid material and a
without any other adhesive was the most
flexible one.
effective. This resulted in a flexible material suitable for uppers, midsoles and insoles. The
For the rigid material I used the pulp from
additional ingredients in this mix are mordant,
Sรถdra, because cellulose from long fibres
a colouring agent, vinegar, Neri and a
ensure a strong material bound. I conduct-
waterproofing agent.
ed tests to experiment with surface quality, drying time and consistency of the material. Through this I found the right balance between Sรถdra Black and a mix of cornstarch paste, Neri, cornflour, salt, vinegar and a waterproofing agent. This mix resulted in a strong material which seemed to be suitable for heels, shanks and outsoles. For the flexible material, I utilised the two types of paper powders. By combining the most successful pulp recipe with flexible
149
#1
- All components are made from the flexible material. - The upper shows the shape strength of the material. - The outsoles have indents to ensure maximum bendable soles, which shows their potential for athletic footwear. - The outsoles are made with the Thermofloc, showing the textures and colours of the newspaper its based on.
#2
- The logo is implemented in outsoles after tests with wording in earlier development - Rigid material toe cap to structural quality of product to outerwear companies - The shape of upper is based on an earlier material test
#3
- The design is informed by the semi-functioning shoe from term 2 - The thickness of the top line have informed all other uppers in the lineup - In term 2, the upper was functioning but the outsole broke when it was used, which is why the sole is made of a combination of the rigid and the flexible material. This also informed the sole of #4. - Initially, this style was informed by the ‘outdated’ model which was based on Clarks.
#4
- A variation on the traditional ballerina. I used this stereotypical footwear style, because of its worldwide existence amongst cultures. - The low heel and front part of the sole are made from the rigid material. These parts are reinforced with a flexible midsole, which was inspired by earlier test for functioning flexible soles. This sole construction is also used for a higher version in #5. - The upper has a thickness along its top line to ensure that the user doesn’t lose their shoes whilst walking, it effectively functions as a replacement for top line tape.
#5
- The upper is based on the upper of the first functional paper shoe I made. The shape held its form well on the foot, which was my first indication that the upper would function. - The outsole has a plateau thickness which resembles mainstream footwear sneakers. The sole construction is the same as #4, in a higher edition.
#6
- To showcase the strength of the rigid material, I choose to include a high heeled shoe. The silhouette of the shoe was the number 1 choice 71 participants of the visual questionnaire (107 respondents in total). - The construction of the sole and heel are based on the drying principles of the rigid material. To be able to make a 7 mm wall thickness in the heel, the heel has to be chunky, otherwise, the air isn’t allowed in which increases the drying time expediently. The heel is hollow and is reinforced with Thermofloc to stabilise it. - To replace a traditional shank, half of the outsole is made out of the rigid material and functions as a cap on top of the hollow heel. The counter part of the sole is flexible, showcasing the reinforced strength of the two materials combined. - The shape of the upper is defined by the needed instep into the shoe with a thickened top line to ensure the material doesn’t tear through the force of a foot.
#DIY
The graphic design of the DIY Shoe Kit was developed by Studio Warschau. Beforehand we agreed on the colour scheme, based on the material colour research, the size of the box, an initial idea for the booklet and which of the shoes it would be made for (#3). The shape of the box was defined by the idea to introduce the viewer
into a story, which is referenced through the opening of the box like a book. The user experience is essential in the design of the box, we wanted to communicate to the user that having and using the box is a true enjoyment and that it would be something which you would wish for.
192
Costing
Post-consumer waste The original costing for the collection was
plastic(AZO Materials, 2012). If one would
considerably lower than the final costing. The
produce the moulds in an industry context in
intended final costing was set out be £631.03,
the future, the recycled PET filament might
where the actual final costing of the total
actually still be a suitable option.
project was £3,207.55. The significant increase in cost was caused by the addition of the DIY
The final costing of producing 1 DIY Shoe Kit is
Shoe Kit and the decision to print the moulds
£725.00. The majority of this prize is made up
in resin instate of recycled PET filament. The
of the cost of the moulds and the cost of the
cost per gram for the PLA is £0.05 where the
graphic design for the box and its
cost of resin per gram is £0.55, which
components. If the box would be produced on
increased the cost of the moulds by
a larger scale, for example, a 1000 boxes, the
approximately 11 times.
final prize would come down to an estameted £37.04. In researching a suitable retail prize
The recycled PET filament was my first choice
the target prize was set at £49.99. This
for material, because the plastic can be
prognoses indicates that the DIY Shoe Kit
easily entered into general recycling systems
ussuitable for market purposes an a larger
by users and the carbon footprint of the
scale.
recycled PET is approximately 73% lower than that of virgin plastic(Axion, 2017). Resin can be
See appendix for detailed overview costing.
also recycled, but it is much a more complicated and specialised recycling process since the material is classified as a Group 7
193
Summation
Post-consumer waste At the start of this MA, I set out to design
delivering a critique on the industry, the final
disposable footwear for fast fashion
outcome is a speculative design message. This
costumers so they can maintain their current
change was informed by my intensive studio
consumption pattern whilst decreasing their
explorations, collaborations with
individual environmental footprint.
industry partners and the development of a
Recognising that deconstructing consumerism
more realistic reflection on the possible
is not the ideal solution to changing consumer
outcomes within the timeframe. The eventual
behaviour, I felt the need to design a footwear
aim of the project is to educate and inform
collection which exemplifies that there are
users on the manufacturing process of
different ways to look at a problem and its
footwear and to speculate on the use of an
possible solutions. I intended to use my past
alternative material for footwear production.
studies on consumer behaviour, paper fabrication and bespoke footwear production
Starting the paper development, one of my
to find a way to produce functioning paper
main challenges was to fully commit and
shoes. The aim was to critique the current
focus on the research and development of this
footwear industry in its neglect of its
material to be able to give it the best chance
product-responsibilities. The final products of
at success. In the first months of development,
this research ended up have a more nuanced
I worked both on material development as
and effective messaging. Instead of simply
well as design development.
194
Post-consumer waste When it became evident that the material
a test simply is not working. In previous
ultimately would inform the designs, I
projects, I would have allowed additional time
committed the research solely to material
to see if there was any possibility to
development. In this process, I could not
implement those tests anyway. Although
foresee wether the final outcome of this
my approach to practical research is very in
material research would actually be useable
depth and broad, it can also lack focus
or functional, which was sometimes
because I tend to easily get lost in the process
unsettling. Normally, when I conduct design
of making ever more interesting tests and
research I feel comfortable to let loose and
mockups. This project has taught me how to
find where the process of making will
‘kill my darlings’, both within my material and
eventually bring me, whether it will be a
in my design research.
success or a failure. This method allowed me to continue researching and developing the material, even when the tests were quite literally falling apart. The material development process taught me how to assess if something is worth investigating further or when to decide that
195
For example, to convey the critical design
industry context, early on I started reaching
message, I mocked up several designs which
out to industry partners who might be able to
were informed by stereotypical footwear or
advise or help me. By taking this step early, I
wording. Through critical analyse and
gained a better understanding of how to
tutorials, I learned that sometimes messaging
position myself as a valuable asset to industry
doesn’t need to be so literal, it can be subtly
partners, even though I’m a marginal business
conveyed through material use or graphic
partner. They also taught me to ask anything,
design.
however minor or silly it might seem. By sharing the story of the project, companies
The course taught me why it is evident to
shared their products with me either for free
know and understand your context and the
or at discounted cost. My communications
aim of your projects, ultimately to be able to
skills improved, as a result of it, and I’m
be successful and relevant to the industry.
confident that I’ve gained some contacts
This insight might at first have been deeply
which might last me for the length of my
frustrating, however, it ended up being a
career.
liberation as it made me understand what I was trying to communicate.
The project brought out my personal strength to find and see parallels between seemingly
In order to be able to fit this research in an
196
unconnected elements, such as spotting
that the kitchen techniques for smoking
one would not have been there without the
food would efficiently help me with the
other.
dehydration of the paper material. In keeping an open mind and a problem-solving attitude,
In reimagining a new footwear material there
I was able to push the material innovation so
are many facets to be considered. The
that it became a functioning, qualitative
material needs to have a certain thickness,
material.
strength, tear resilience, stretch resilience and so on. To test the material as extensively as
The other ingredient that helped in achieving
possible, I spent the majority of the second
this project was my ‘work makes work’ ethic.
term on the material research and less time
In learning this work philosophy from my old
on manufacturing research. Although the
architecture mentors, I find that keeping up a
manufacturing worked out for the final
constant work spirit with a large quantity of
collection, I was not able to produce a
output generates the most creative ideas. In
functioning shoe until July 2017, which meant
multitasking between material development,
that there was little room for error in the
industry networking, primary research and
manufacturing of the final products. When I
design experimentation, I both delivered solid
did manufacture the final pieces, small
next steps in the process and also literally just
production mistakes such as shrinkage and
crumples of paper, but I’m confident that the
faulty moulds affected my planning.
197
sumer waste In an alternate world, where I would restart
planning. Unfortunately, due to this and
the project, I would try improve on my focus
several setbacks in the manufacturing of the
and time management by asking help of my
final collection, I eventually wasn’t able to
peers and the university to keep better
finish the collection on time running a week
project management. I’ve learned that I find
short on my planning.
it difficult to assess and calculate the actual time needed for experimental research. Also, I
With the next step in my mind, I plan to start
am an optimist and opportunist, which in this
working for as a footwear designer for a
case means that I will try as hard as I can to
company where practice-based design is the
make it happen even if it’s unrealistic timing.
focus and where sustainable agendas are
Although this might be a personal quality,
part of the business. This course has helped
professionally it is something which I want to
me grow as a designer, in understanding that
be able to manage better, because it is in-
footwear is my favourite design medium, but
efficient for any party involved. The MA has
I also feel comfortable working outside my
taught me to sooner analyse and realise when
own specialism within other design areas, for
planning needs to be altered. That said, I’ve
example, material design. My main objective
also learned that managing an
is to design solutions for environmental design
innovation project comes with uncertainty
flaws in the footwear industry. This is why I
and some instability when it comes to
would like to gain more knowledge and
198
ost-con experience about the running of a larger scale footwear company such as Nike, United Nude or Stella McCartney. Eventually, in the long term, I would like to move forward with a personal interdisciplinary design studio focussed on solution based design.
199
HERE TODAY
GONE TOMORROW
EXP
RED
Appendix
SATRA Results
204
205
Appendix
Appendix Technical Data Sheet
black Z
Initial tensile strength Wet strength Easy refined
Part of the premium stronger fibre range, Södra black Z is a northern bleached softwood kraft pulp bleached using a TCF process. It’s the ideal choice where high initial tensile strength and wet strength are important. And it has the added advantage that easy refining means potentially lower energy consumption. Available certified to both PEFC™ or FSC®.
PEFC/05-35-48 Promoting Sustainable Forest Management www.pefc.org
GENERAL PROPERTIES Dirt, ISO 5350-2:2006 Brightness, ISO 2470-1:2009
88.0 (≥87.5) %
2.0 (≤5.0) mm2/kg Aceton-soluble extractives, ISO 14453:2014
0.03 %
Ash, ISO 1762:2015
0.25 %
pH, ISO 29681:2009
Fibre length, ISO 16065-2:2014
Fibre width
Coarseness
2.05 mm
30 µm
0.135 mg/m
4.8
209
Appendix
Costing Moulds
Ingredrients
Upper
Recycled PLA
£14,60
Midsole
Resin (Master mould)
£61,05
Outsole
Ninjaflex
£81,00
Heel
Ninjaflex
£97,00
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
£28,20
Upper
Paper Powder Latex
Midsole
Insole
210
£0,00 £1,78
Colorant / Ink
£0,40
Mordant
£0,19
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£1,52
Neri
£4,92
Paper Powder
£3,00
Latex
£0,00
Colorant / Ink
£0,89
Mordant
£0,29
Vinegar
£0,09
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,76
Paper Powder
£2,46
Latex
£0,00
Colorant / Ink
£0,67
Mordant
£0,15
Vinegar
£0,07
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,57
Heel
£0,00
Paper Powder
£0,12
Cornstarch paste
Outsole
Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Paper Powder
£0,00 £1,12
Latex Colorant / Ink
£0,37
Mordant
£0,12
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,95
Neri
£3,07
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #3
£314,35
211
Appendix
Costing #1 Moulds
Resin
Midsole
Resin (Master mould)
£61,05
Outsole
Ninjaflex
£95,00
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
£28,20
Ingredrients Upper
Midsole
212
£220,00
Upper
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,78
Colorant / Ink
£0,59
Mordant
£0,19
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£1,52
Neri
£4,92
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,89
Colorant / Ink
£0,29
Mordant
£0,09
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,76
Neri
£2,46
Insole
Outsole
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,67
Colorant / Ink
£0,22
Mordant
£0,07
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,57
Neri
£1,84
Paper Powder
£0,04
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,44
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02 £1,14
Waterproofing Neri
£3,69
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #1
£434,43
213
Appendix
Costing #2 Moulds
Upper
Resin
£126,50
Toecap
Resin
£28,00
Midsole
Resin
£100,00
Outsole
Resin
£138,00
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
Ingredrients Upper
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,44
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing Toecap
214
£1,14
Neri
£3,69
Paper Powder
£0,00
Cornstarch paste
Midsole
£36,75
£0,12
Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Paper Powder
£0,02
Latex
£0,89
Colorant / Ink
£0,29
Mordant
£0,09
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,76
Neri
£2,46
Insole
Outsole
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,67
Colorant / Ink
£0,22
Mordant
£0,07
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,57
Neri
£1,84
Paper Powder
£0,04
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,30
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02 £1,14
Waterproofing Neri
£3,69
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #2
£457,80
215
Appendix
Costing #3 Moulds
Upper
Recycled PLA
£14,60
Midsole
Resin (Master mould)
£61,05
Outsole
Ninjaflex
£81,00
Heel
Ninjaflex
£97,00
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
£28,20
Ingredrients Upper
Paper Powder Latex
Midsole
Insole
216
£0,00 £1,78
Colorant / Ink
£0,40
Mordant
£0,19
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£1,52
Neri
£4,92
Paper Powder
£3,00
Latex
£0,00
Colorant / Ink
£0,89
Mordant
£0,29
Vinegar
£0,09
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,76
Paper Powder
£2,46
Latex
£0,00
Colorant / Ink
£0,67
Mordant
£0,15
Vinegar
£0,07
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,57
Heel
£0,00
Paper Powder
£0,12
Cornstarch paste
Outsole
Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Paper Powder
£0,00 £1,12
Latex Colorant / Ink
£0,37
Mordant
£0,12
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,95
Neri
£3,07
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #3
£314,35
217
Appendix
Costing #4 Moulds
Upper
Resin
£107,00
Midsole
Resin
£58,30
Heel
Resin
£18,80
Front Sole
Resin
£14,00
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
£36,75
Ingredrients Upper
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,44
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing Midsole
Neri
£3,69
Paper Powder
£0,04
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,30
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing Insole
218
£1,14
£1,14
Neri
£3,69
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,67
Colorant / Ink
£0,15
Mordant
£0,07
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,57
Neri
£1,84
Front sole
£0,00
Paper Powder
£0,12
Cornstarch paste
Heel
Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Paper Powder
£0,00 £0,12
Cornstarch paste Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #4
£259,55
219
Appendix
Costing #5 Moulds
Upper
Resin
£96,52
Midsole
Resin
£60,50
Heel
Resin
£18,70
Front Sole
Resin
£14,20
Insole
Resin (Master mould)
£28,20
Ingredrients Upper
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,34
Colorant / Ink
£0,44
Mordant
£0,14
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing Midsole
Insole
220
£1,14
Neri
£3,69
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,56
Colorant / Ink
£0,35
Mordant
£0,16
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£1,33
Neri
£4,30
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,67
Colorant / Ink
£0,22
Mordant
£0,07
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,57
Neri
£1,84
Heel
£0,00
Paper Powder
£0,12
Cornstarch paste
Outsole
Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Paper Powder
£0,00 £0,12
Cornstarch paste Cornflour
£0,08
Salt
£0,01
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,01
Neri
£0,50
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #5
£243,94
221
Appendix
Costing #6 Moulds
Upper
Resin
£190,30
Midsole
Resin
£48,80
Outsole
Resin
£57,60
Heel
Resin
£39,40
Insole
Resin
£76,90
Ingredrients Upper
Midsole
Insole
222
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£1,78
Colorant / Ink
£0,59
Mordant
£0,19
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£1,52
Neri
£4,92
Paper Powder
£0,00
Cornstarch paste
£0,24
Cornflour
£0,16
Salt
£0,02
Vinegar
£0,04
Waterproofing
£0,02
Neri
£1,00
Paper Powder
£0,00
Latex
£0,67
Colorant / Ink
£0,22
Mordant
£0,07
Vinegar
£0,01
Waterproofing
£0,57
Neri
£1,84
Outsole
£0,00
Paper Powder
£1,12
Latex
Heel
Colorant / Ink
£0,37
Mordant
£0,12
Vinegar
£0,02
Waterproofing
£0,95
Neri
£3,07
Paper Powder
£0,00
Cornstarch paste
£0,24
Cornflour
£0,16
Salt
£0,02
Vinegar
£0,04
Waterproofing
£0,02
Neri
£1,00
Assembly
Needles
£0,90
Waxed Paper Thread
£0,50
Cornstarch paste
£0,17
Shoebox
White Paper
£4,85
Acid Free Packaging Paper
£0,05 Total #6
£440,48
223
Appendix
Costing #DIY 1 Box
Printing
£10,00
Mountboard
£10,85
Booklet
£8,80
Graphic Design
£320,00
Jars
£4,80
Enveloppes
£4,25
Ingredients (average)
£21,30
Moulds (average)
£330,00
Assembly
£5,00
Stickers
£10,00 Total 1 Box
1000 Boxes
Printing
£0,10
Mountboard
£0,70
Booklet
£1,20
Graphic Design
£0,32
Jars
£4,80
Enveloppes
£4,25
Ingredients (average)
£10,00
Moulds (average)
£15,00
Assembly
£0,50
Stickers
£0,17 Total 1000 Boxes
224
£725,00
£37,04
Total Costing Collection o #1
£434,43
#2
£457,80
#3
£314,35
#4
£259,55
#5
£243,94
#6
£440,48
DIY Shoe Kit
1 Complete set
£725,00
SATRA
Material testing
General
Tools
£106,40
Transport / Delivery
£138,50
Collection
£87,10
Total Cost
£3.207,55
225
Appendix
Instruction Booklet
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
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By Heleen Overbeek