DSM has confirmed the introduction of ‘the first seamless trail running shoe made with bio-based Dyneema fibre.’ The new shoe is from Canadian brand – norda.
Dyneema itself is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre. The ultra-strong, ultra-light material has featured in cycling shoes, apparel, accessories and bike frames, such as the Anakin Carbon frames from MTB specialist FRM.
The norda brand’s flagship product, norda001, utilizes bio-based Dyneema to ‘enhance performance and sustainability in a lightweight construction.’
In a release, RSM states… ‘The shoe upper is seamlessly constructed with Dyneema fabric, which benefits from the intrinsic properties of Dyneema, the world’s strongest fibre.
‘Dyneema fibre is engineered at the molecular level to provide high strength, low weight, waterproof and breathable properties – fusing the technical performance of ultra-light materials with aesthetic design that does not sacrifice strength or durability.
‘In addition to the increased foot stability and wearer comfort of the upper, Dyneema fibres are also used to increase abrasion resistance and stretch in the shoe laces – providing four times the level of strength when compared to standard lace materials like nylon and polyester.’
“When we set out to create the norda 001, our mission was to design an ultra-strong and durable high performance trail running shoe, and do it as sustainably as possible,” said Willamina and Nick Martire, co-founders at norda.
“To achieve our goal, we had to look outside of the standard materials used by the footwear industry. We realized the properties of bio-based Dyneema beat everything available today.”
Bio-based Dyneema boasts the same performance as conventional Dyneema with a carbon footprint that is claimed to be 90% lower than generic HMPE.
Sourced from renewable, bio-based feedstock, DSM’s latest advancement in fibre technology uses ‘the mass balance approach to further reduce the reliance on fossil fuel based resources, while still contributing to a more circular economy.’
“The latest development with norda is an example of how Dyneema fibres are enabling our customers to deliver the highest performing products made with the most sustainably sourced materials to end consumers,” said Marcio Manique, Global Business Director, Consumer & Professional Protection, at DSM Protective Materials.
“Incorporating bio-based Dyneema fibres means there’s no compromise when it comes to performance or sustainability.”
