Balenciaga launches signature sneakers made from banana plant
Luxury fashion brand Balenciaga has unveiled a new version of its signature sneakers, crafted from banana plants. Known for their oversized, chunky look, the popular Triple S sneakers have seen many iterations in different colors and fabrics since their debut in 2017. However, the latest limited edition may be the most eco-friendly yet. In collaboration with sustainable fashion brand QWSTION, Balenciaga's newest Triple S sneakers now feature an upper made from Bananatex, a next-generation material derived from naturally grown banana plants.
Credit: Balenciaga
Bananatex is renowned in the industry for its sustainability credentials, as it is made entirely from natural sources without any plastic or animal derivatives. The new Triple S shoes with Bananatex are available in two colors, natural white and black, and can be purchased at selected Balenciaga stores worldwide and online. "The launch of the iconic Triple S with Bananatex, our next-generation innovation, is a huge honor," said Hannes Schoenegger, co-founder and CEO of Bananatex, in a news release.
The innovative Bananatex fabric was first introduced in 2018 and has quickly gained traction in the fashion industry through partnerships with leading mainstream and high-end fashion brands. Its manufacturing process is circular, with banana plants grown in self-sufficient forests that require no pesticides, fertilizers, or additional water. The abacá plants, which have several stalks, are harvested annually and regenerate fully within a year. These stalks contain banana fibers that are harvested, combed, and pressed into sheets. The sheets are then spun into yarn and woven to create the finished Bananatex fabric.
Credit: Canva
Over the past decade, the fashion industry has increasingly focused on producing fabrics and clothing more sustainably. Brands are developing next-generation materials with a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional fabrics made from animal leather and plastic. Many brands, including Gucci, Zara, and Nike, have released eco-friendly versions of classic designs. Even car manufacturers like BMW and Tesla are adopting more sustainable vegan leathers for car interiors instead of animal-derived leather.
Plant-based materials, such as mushroom leather and Bananatex, offer more sustainable solutions and eliminate the need for mass farming and slaughter of animals. The animal leather industry, worth over $100 billion, slaughters more than a billion animals annually for their skins. Contrary to popular belief, animal leather is not merely a by-product of the meat industry but a co-product. It is a fully mechanized, independent industry that negatively impacts the planet, animals, and factory workers involved in its production.
