Nuoceans is a sustainable fashion brand that takes repurposed and recycled materials to a new level. What once started as a mission to clean up the ocean resulted in sandals that save 300g of waste per pair.

What's the idea behind Neuoceans?

Enjoying life while caring for our planet. This is the shared idea that brought three university students, Valentina, Hadrien, and Terry, together. Refusing to accept waste as the norm and believing that fashion is a statement.

As they say, “Upcycling, style, and a whole lot of attitude," fuels Nuoceans.

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What cats and environmentalism have to do with Nuoceans?

“Serious environmentalists at heart”, as the founders of Nuoceans call themselves, found their inspiration in the polluted ocean and a strong belief that waste is an opportunity. The brand's goal is bigger than sustainable products; Nuoceans is here to flip the script and rewire consumerism and lifestyle to make a difference.

Your shoes can have nine lives, just like your cat, and these shoes are Nuoceans. Turning waste into stylish wearables gives them a second life instead of creating more waste.

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How do you turn waste into material?

The problem starts on vacation. The short sunny weekend results in over 3 billion flip-flops going to waste yearly. That's where Nuoceans comes in and rescues these thousands of flip flops from South Asian Beaches. This waste will soon become the base of a revolutionary pair of sandals. But let's break it down...

How does waste become a sole for a unique pair of shoes?

That's very simple. After the flip-flops are collected, they get a good cleanse and go through special machinery that shreds them into tiny pieces. This flip-flop confetti goes through another cleanse before becoming the insole for your sandals.

The fun part is that every sheet of insole is unique and varies from pair to pair, which adds a special twist to the design of Nuoceans. Then the so-called Nuos layers are shipped to Spain, where they will be turned into a new pair of Nuoceans by hand.

What about the rest of the Nuoceans materials?

The whole pair of Nuos sandals is 100% vegan, ethically made, and cruelty-free. The footbed is made from recycled cork, giving natural comfort and support. For extra softness, there’s a foam layer that adds cushioning and is partly made from recycled materials.

The outsole (bottom of the shoe) is created using recycled factory scraps, making it lightweight and flexible. The straps are a mix of recycled plastic, polyester, and other materials, finished with a sturdy metal buckle. All these parts come together to make a shoe that’s supportive, comfortable, and eco-friendly.

Should I get a pair of Nuoceans?

Definitely! Nuoceans is more than just a pair of sandals: it's a statement!

Besides being stylish and sustainable, Nuoceans is a great example of how preloved items can get a second life, because what's cooler than style that got past and purpose. From the UK to Austria, and from Belgium to Germany, Nuoceans has several stores and retailers run by people who care about the planet just as much as they care about good sandals.

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If you’re interested in more innovative projects like Nuoceans, check out our Reflawn News!