Acbc: the sustainable shoe invented by two young people who returned to Italy

It lasts longer and reduces CO2 consumption. But the real advantage is for the consumer: he can wear different models of the same shoes.

di |
ECO-FRIENDLY SHOES

Days are increasingly hectic. First work, then study, the gym, dinners, and various appointments. Without ever stopping by home. "What shoes should I wear?" This is the question millions of people ask themselves in the morning before leaving the front door to face a day full of different commitments, and the answer is the result of an extremely complex calculation. However, the problem disappears when you can simply zip up a zipper to wear (and take with you everywhere) any shoe style you want. It's the idea of two Italian boys who invented ainnovative modular footwear: 100 different uppers can be mounted on the same sole, for an interchangeable style and a notable reduction of environmental impact.

ACBC SUSTAINABLE SHOES

Acbc, the sneaker that changes skin, was born from an intuition of two young Italian boys, Gio Jacob and Edoardo Iannuzzi, design enthusiasts, returned to Italy to revolutionize the footwear industry and adapt it to the needs of modern times. "It's a sector that has remained static in recent years. We tried to innovate it, starting from the needs of the modern man, who travels a lot, going from one place to another in the same day," he explains. Edward Iannuzzi, 37, creative director. "Furthermore, with a green mindset, we developed the project to reduce pollution from production processes, extending the life cycle of the shoe."

The shoe is in fact made up of a sole on which different "skins" can be mounted, depending on the occasion. The key to the mechanism is a simple zip that, by joining the two parts of the shoe, ensures strength and water resistance.

ALSO READ: Donne in Campo, the association launching a supply chain for fabrics made from agricultural waste.

ACBC MODULAR SHOES

The project is born in the 2016, when the two founders were pursuing careers abroad in the world of high fashion and design, specifically Gio Giacobbe in Shanghai and Edoardo Iannuzzi in the United Kingdom. With this proposal, the two young entrepreneurs sought to combine fashion appeal with a sustainable product function, to respond not only to the need for adaptation to contemporary rhythms but also the need to reduce CO2 emissions from production. "Sustainability starts with transportation: a skin takes up little space and takes up 80 percent less than a shoe," Edoardo points out, explaining: "This applies to the road vehicles needed to deliver the finished product to the store, but also to the customer: once the shoe is purchased, the lightweight and comfortable uppers can be carried in a backpack. This, on the one hand, reduces the weight of their luggage; on the other, they purchase fewer pairs and help reduce the pollution resulting from shoe manufacturing."

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

More reliable information on the topic comes from the renowned American research center MIT, which certifies that the most polluting phase of shoe production is the sole. By purchasing an ACBC sole and two uppers, you not only reduce the use of raw materials and the amount of energy used, but you also extend the life cycle of the shoe itself, which is often discarded because it's old or out of fashion, even before the sole is worn out.

The company, physically born in Shanghai and now already widespread in Italy, China and North-Eastern Europe, aims to conquer new markets Mainly in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, but their expansionist ambitions also include Japan and Korea. In doing so, however, the two young men promise that "green made" will be their guiding light. They already have a new line in the works, "Made with care," sustainable footwear, entirely made in Italy. The materials used are all certified sustainable, including eco-leather made from plastic bottle waste, organic velvet, and a sole made from recycled cork.

The photo is taken from the Facebook page of ACBC extension.

THREE PROJECTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste