Giving old fabric a second life by transforming it into slippers—without using new materials. This project reduces textile waste, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes sustainability through creativity and responsible consumption.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Fast fashion has led to massive textile waste, with millions of tons of discarded clothing ending up in landfills each year. Many fabrics are non-biodegradable, polluting the environment for decades. The production of new textiles consumes vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, further harming the planet. This project offers a sustainable solution by transforming old jeans-fabrics into slippers. Instead of using new materials, discarded textiles receive a second life. The process significantly reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact. With a low-energy, eco-friendly production method, comfortable and stylish slippers are created while promoting responsible consumption. Choosing upcycled products takes a stand against waste and fast fashion, proving that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand. Every pair of slippers saves fabric from landfills and contributes to a greener future.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
The materials used consist primarily of jeans with a high cotton content. The core of the sole is made from three-dimensionally pressed denim fibers. Small pieces of denim are shredded in a Hollander beater, and the fibers are opened. The resulting fiber pulp is mixed with a natural binding agent and pressed into a sole mold. The binding agent gives the mixture the necessary stability and allows it to harden. A layer of denim fabric is applied to the top of the sole to protect the fiber core from abrasion. The straps are also made from denim and are glued or stapled to the underside of the sole. Finally, the rubber or leather sole is glued on. Recycled materials are used here as well, such as old leather furniture, bags, or even discarded rubber mats.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
This project stands out due to its unique combination of sustainability, upcycling, and social impact. Unlike traditional fast fashion solutions, it repurposes denim, a widely available material, turning it into durable, functional slippers without relying on new textiles. The innovative use of denim fibers as the core of the sole minimizes waste and reduces the need for virgin materials, contributing to a circular economy. Furthermore, the project directly engages young people in a social employment setting, teaching them valuable skills in sustainable production while fostering a sense of responsibility. The simplicity of the process makes it easy to understand, empowering youth and helping them transition to the professional world. By using recycled rubber or leather for the sole, the project also ensures a low environmental impact, setting it apart from other initiatives that still rely on new, resource-intensive materials.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
This project was developed for a social youth employment facility, providing a simple and easily understandable production process. Through hands-on work, young people engage with sustainability while learning essential production steps. The project helps them establish a routine, fostering a sense of structure and connection to the professional world. To enable the young people to work independently, visual instructions were created aswell. In addition the outcome (the finished product) aligns with young people’s needs by offering a sustainable, ethical, and creative alternative to fast fashion. It promotes conscious consumption, reduces waste, and encourages individual expression through unique, upcycled products—supporting a greener future for their generation.
