Allbirds’ SweetFoam® Revolution: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Footwear

In a landmark collaboration between Allbirds, the sustainability-focused footwear brand, and Braskem, a global leader in green chemistry, the footwear industry has witnessed a breakthrough with bio-based EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) technology. This innovation, branded as SweetFoam®, showcases how renewable materials can reshape industries traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.

The SweetFoam® Journey

Launched in 2018, SweetFoam® is made using Braskem’s I’m green™ bio-based EVA, derived from responsibly sourced sugarcane ethanol. Sugarcane, a renewable crop, not only serves as the raw material but also actively absorbs CO2 during its growth, making it a climate-positive resource. For every ton of bio-based EVA produced, approximately 2.1 kg of CO2 is captured, offering a significant reduction in the carbon footprint compared to conventional EVA.

A Drop-in Solution with Broad Applications

EVA is widely used in industries like footwear, automotive, and transportation for its flexibility, durability, and lightweight properties. Braskem’s bio-based EVA is designed to seamlessly replace conventional fossil-based alternatives without requiring manufacturers to invest in new processing machinery. Additionally, the material can be recycled within the same waste streams as traditional EVA, aligning with circular economy principles.

SweetFoam® in Action

Allbirds was the first brand to integrate this material into its footwear, using SweetFoam® to produce midsoles that offer comfort, resilience, and a significantly reduced environmental impact. This innovation is used in various Allbirds products and has inspired the brand to push sustainability boundaries further.

In 2023, Allbirds unveiled the M0.Onshot, billed as the world’s first net-zero carbon shoe. This groundbreaking product combines SweetFoam® with other regenerative and carbon-negative materials, such as wool sourced from Lake Hawea Station in New Zealand and methane-capture bioplastics. The M0.Onshot is not just an innovation in materials but also in design and manufacturing, exemplifying Allbirds’ leadership in sustainable fashion.

The Global Impact

Allbirds’ efforts go beyond product innovation. By sharing the methodology behind SweetFoam® and the M0.Onshot through open-source toolkits, the company invites the global footwear industry to adopt and scale similar technologies. The goal is to inspire a collective movement toward reducing carbon emissions across industries.

A Circular and Sustainable Future

Brazil, where sugarcane for Braskem’s bio-based EVA is harvested, is the world’s largest sugarcane producer. The industry supports millions of jobs and produces vast quantities of ethanol, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to fossil resources. This aligns with Braskem’s broader commitment to the circular economy, which includes bio-based and recycled products.

Why SweetFoam® Matters

1. Renewable Sourcing: Made from sugarcane, a renewable resource that absorbs CO2 during its lifecycle.
2. Drop-in Compatibility: No need for new processing equipment to switch from fossil-based to bio-based EVA.
3. Recyclability: Can be recycled alongside conventional EVA products.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Captures CO2, contributing to climate-positive manufacturing processes.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Allbirds and Braskem highlights the power of innovation and collaboration in driving sustainability. With products like SweetFoam®, the footwear industry is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also setting a standard for other sectors to follow. As Allbirds continues to lead with transparency and innovation, the future of footwear—and sustainable manufacturing as a whole—looks brighter than ever.

For more details, you can explore Allbirds’ efforts in sustainable footwear on their official site and learn more about Braskem’s I’m green™ portfolio. These initiatives underline how bold steps can lead to revolutionary changes in environmental responsibility​.