On April 25th 2025, the 8th edition of Bring it Back came to Rotterdam Alexandrium for an interactive workshop on what sneakers are actually made from, and why these materials make them significantly hard to recycle. The event was held at the Bever store in Rotterdam Alexandrium, and was powered by RE The Agency and Rotterdam Ciruclair.
Bring it Back: 8th edition
The event delved into the anatomy of sneakers, breaking them down to reveal the complex mix of materials used in their design. This hands-on approach sparked meaningful conversations about how material choices and design decisions influence a product’s afterlife and environmental impact. The interactive format of the event allowed participants to experience firsthand the complexity of deconstructing a sneaker, encouraging curiosity, questions and discussions on the sustainable challenges behind footwear design.
Image source: Bring it Back
The anatomy of sneakers
The event kicked off with a brief introduction by Bring it Back founders Pim and Lorenzo, who outlined the purpose of the workshop, its scope, and what participants could expect from the session. The workshop was structured in two parts: first, participants deconstructed the sneakers, and then used the pieces to create an artwork on a board.
Participants sat around tables covered in cardboard, equipped with tools like knives, scissors, hammers, pins, double-sided tape, and a heat gun. As soon as the deconstruction began, the room quickly filled with energy. Participants got to work tearing their sneakers apart, some laughing at the unexpected challenge, others visibly focused or even frustrated by how difficult it was to take the shoes apart.
The activity quickly revealed the complexity of modern footwear—layers of fabric, foam, rubber, glue, and plastic components intricately fused. It raised a crucial point: if breaking it down is this hard, how can we expect it to be easily recycled?
Image source: Bring it Back
From deconstruction to creation
Once the sneakers were fully deconstructed, participants moved on to the second part of the session: turning the broken-down sneaker parts into artwork. Each board became a personal interpretation of the experience, some abstract, some structured, all unique. Attendees exchanged thoughts on sustainability, shared personal stories, and reflected on what they had learned. The collaborative environment made it easy to connect, making the event not only educational but also a genuinely fun and memorable community experience.
Image source: Bring it Back
A tangible takeaway
To wrap up, everyone was invited to take their board home, carrying with them not only a physical reminder of the workshop but also a deeper awareness of the materials we often overlook in our everyday products.
The 8th edition of Bring It Back offered more than just a workshop. It was a call to rethink, reimagine, and engage, proving once again that sustainability isn’t just a concept, but an experience.
Image source: Bring it Back
Make sure to stay tuned on Reflwan's news page, and follow @reflawn_official for more updates on the next edition of the Bring it Back event!
What is Bring it Back?
Bring It Back is an event series focused on sustainability in fashion, highlighting circular economy solutions, ethical production, and innovative approaches to reducing waste in the fashion industry.
