Innovative Flipflops® made from pineapple and coconut fibers
Plastic waste in the oceans is a global problem. Because real garbage continents swim in the oceans. These include many items made of plastic, as well as the classic Flip-Flops®. Their materials pollute the environment and health not only during production and use, but also during disposal, because they take hundreds of years to degrade.
The Cocolette as a sustainable alternative to the status quo
For these reasons, the "Cocolette" was developed as an alternative from pure, ecological materials. Inspired by Cradle to Cradle® values, it consists of material innovations: natural fibers from coconuts and pineapple leaves.
The sole of the "Cocolette" is made of woven coconut fibers. These come from the fiber layer of the coconut, which naturally has sustainable properties. Coconut fibers are durable, easy to care for, flexible, moisture balancing and antibacterial.
The straps of the “Cocolette” are made of Pinatex®. Pinatex® is a natural, sustainable and innovative natural textile made from the fibers of pineapple leaves.
The leather is tanned using tree bark and fruits
The leather of the “Cocoletten” sole is tanned with vegetable and renewable tanning agents - tree bark and fruits. So it will age nicely over time and you can carry the "Cocoletten" for years to compost. Each piece is a hand-made unique piece that can be returned to nature at the end of the shoe's life.
We are enthusiastic about this innovative and sustainable alternative to conventional flip-flops and asked Laura Ullmann, founder of Cocolette, our three questions.
1. What was or is your motivation behind Cocolette?
More than three years ago I discovered the only mechanical coconut weaving mill in Germany and couldn't let go of it. At a time when environmentally friendly production processes and natural products are becoming more and more popular, I wanted to show my fellow human beings that environmentally friendly materials can inspire the fashion world and at the same time protect our environment. With my contribution, the Cocolette, I would like to make consumers aware of how to use plastic products and raise awareness of the vast amount of garbage in the oceans. Cocolette draws attention to this problem and offers a sustainable alternative that does not harm any beach or marine life.
2. What do you advise our readers: What can you do specifically for a better future?
Seize the chance to change something. Every little idea, every rethinking counts. Move consciously through your everyday life and try to question habits. Where do my products end up at the end of their life cycle, what effects do my purchasing decisions have on the environment and are there perhaps alternatives? Especially in my professional field as a designer, I see it as a responsibility to develop solutions that contribute to a future worth living in.
3. How do travel and sustainability fit together for you?
Travel sharpens our view of the beautiful things on earth – but sometimes also lets us experience first-hand the effects, for example, plastic items have on our beaches and seas. Ideally, anyone who experiences this live develops a lasting awareness of the need to protect our planet. You should of course pay attention to your ecological footprint when travelling, but there are already great solutions for this too.
You can find the latest information about cocolette on the Instagram channel
Would you like to exchange ideas with the founder? Get in touch here
ding
Hi, after reading this awesome article I am too glad to share my know-how here with friends.