Stella McCartney launches plant-based compostable sneakers
Recently, Stella McCartney launched its most environmentally friendly sneakers to date, continuing to lead the benchmark for sustainable fashion. The upgraded S-Wave sneakers are part of the 2025 Fall Collection and are made of carefully selected recycled materials, bio-based materials and compostable materials. These innovations mark an important step for Stella McCartney towards fully circular footwear.
The highlight of the new S-Wave is its BioCir Flex sole. This cinnamon-scented bioplastic was developed in collaboration with materials science company Balena. The sole is made of non-toxic plant-based materials that perform similarly to traditional plastics but decompose like organic matter. It is both industrially compostable and recyclable, providing designers with a viable alternative to fossil-based plastics such as TPU and EVA.
David Roubach, CEO of Balena, said: "The development of BioCir® Flex took five years and we have successfully overcome the technical bottlenecks of bio-based materials in terms of strength, elasticity and durability. The collaboration with Stella McCartney proves that environmentally friendly materials can also meet the stringent quality requirements of high-end fashion brands."
The S-Wave is designed with the life of the sneaker in mind. When the sneakers are worn, customers can return them to Stella McCartney. The components of the shoe will be separated. Although the soles can be composted, a better option is to recycle them into new soles. This reduces the need to produce new materials from scratch.
Although it is expensive (£550), this product shows the endless possibilities that brands can achieve when investing in material innovation. For fashion and product designers, it is a great example of how to perfectly combine circularity, performance and style.
