On September 16, 2024, visual artist Zulu Kuki and balena., a company that develops bio-based materials, collaborated to create a 3D printed sneaker. Inspired by racing cars, the design of the sneakers is not only functional but also environmentally friendly. Will these sneakers overturn the conventional wisdom of the shoe industry and become the new foundation of the industry?
Zulu Kuki is an artist, photographer, dancer, and designer. Blessed with a variety of talents, his goal is to create works that smoothly connect the real and virtual worlds. The characteristics of his work include his constant pursuit of innovation and cultural diversity, especially influenced by Japanese culture. Calling himself a “nomad,” he is on a great journey in search of new connections and new ways of expression. As a result of this “journey,” the style of 3D printing has stuck with him, and he has become a pioneer in 3D shoe design. He has collaborated with big brands such as Porsche, adidas, and PUMA.
balena. is a company founded in 2020 that researches materials and is headquartered in Milan. Most of the plastics on the earth today will remain on the earth after 400 years without decomposition. Microplastics released without being biodegraded are actually contaminating the earth and oceans where we live, and eroding our bodies. Despite this, many fashion brands are still producing large amounts of plastic and producing large amounts of waste.
To break out of this situation, balena. has developed a bio-based, durable, and recyclable material. Their mission is to disrupt the materials industry that produces the non-biodegradable, toxic plastics used on the planet today with their state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly materials.
BioCir, a new material that circulates with the natural environment®︎
Of course, balena. alone cannot change this one major problem. That is why the entire industry needs to work together to create a better world. To complete this system, balena. has created a new material called BioCir®︎, which not only maintains the quality of the compost, but also allows all materials to circulate without harming the ocean or land.
BioCir®︎ is a biopolymer material made from biomass and developed by combining a high molecular weight biodegradable polymer that degrades in the natural environment, a naturally occurring biobase, and biodegradable modified genes. The products made with BioCir®︎ are sent to a composting facility as soon as they have served their purpose. Over time, the composted product is further broken down into smaller pieces by bacteria, heat, moisture, and oxygen. The broken down pieces are further broken down by carbon dioxide and natural minerals, which are consumed by soil bacteria as energy. The thorough process from production to consumption results in an earth-friendly circle with no waste.
Zulu Kuki’s work was made with BioCir®︎flex3D, a 3D print-only material from balena. It is an ideal material for footwear. Traditionally, up to 30% of material is wasted in the production of footwear, but the 3D printing technique can reduce that waste by as much as 70%. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also gives back to the earth after the shoes have been worn.
One of the shoe’s attractions is its design, which is reminiscent of racing cars from the 1970s, especially the Porsche 935, making it a visually impressive single shoe. One of the main features of the shoe is that the sole and sock are removable, allowing consumers to enjoy the shoe for a variety of occasions. We have found a new aspect of sustainable footwear that can be customized,” stated Zulu Kuki.
Shoes are an essential part of our lives, and the market for 3D printed shoes is expected to reach $6.3 billion by 2029. It will soon be the case that our favorite sneakers and boots will be produced using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. It is one of our hopes that a sustainable, cyclical future will be created by technology and artists in a beautiful way.
artist
ZULU KUKI
A pioneer in the design of shoes using 3D printers. An artist and designer with a deep understanding of cultural diversity, he creates original works that fuse the virtual world with reality. With a perspective influenced by Japanese culture, his designs are characterized by a fusion of advanced technology and traditional elements. He has worked extensively as an artist and creative director, having collaborated with many global brands such as Porsche, Adidas, Nike, Off-White, and Coca-Cola.