In San Francisco, renewable footwear pioneer Allbirds has expanded its material slate into rice hulls and citrus peels with a new sneaker called Plant Pacer.
Available for $135, the vegan leather shoe is made with Mirum, an agricultural waste-based material produced by Natural Fiber Welding, an Illinois-based startup Allbirds invested $2 million in last year.
Plant Pacer emits 88% less carbon than leather shoes and 75% less than synthetic leather. An organic cotton version is also available at the slightly lower price point of $110.
American singer/songwriter Umi introduced the sneakers on Instagram earlier this month, while praising Allbirds’ sustainable production, history of giving back to communities, and “truthful goals for zero waste.”