At the 2025 Future Fabrics Expo in London, the Korvaa Consortium presented a revolutionary concept shoe. Made from mycelium, bacterial nanocellulose, and biodegradable plastics, the design shows how nature-based materials can shape the future of product development. The collaboration between Modern Synthesis, Ourobio, and Ecovative demonstrates how sustainable materials can replace conventional ones in complex applications like footwear.

Fewer Components, Greater Impact

Most shoes contain over 30 components, many of which are synthetic and fossil-based. In contrast, the Korvaa shoe uses only five. Modern Synthesis, based in London, produced the upper section. They grow bacterial nanocellulose through fermentation and transform it into a flexible textile. This material offers a low-impact alternative to plastic-coated fabrics, helping to reduce reliance on petroleum-based inputs.

Growing a Bio-Based Sole

The base of the shoe was created by Ourobio, a materials science company in New York. They used polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biodegradable plastics made by plants or microbes. Unlike conventional plastics, PHAs break down naturally in the environment. Into this printed base, Ecovative grew the sole using mycelium, the root system of fungi. In only seven days, the mycelium fills the structure, forming a lightweight yet strong sole that requires no synthetic support.

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

Once the components were ready, shoemakers assembled the shoe using traditional string-lasting methods. They used cotton and lyocell for the laces and lining, both derived from renewable plant sources. As a result, the shoe is entirely made from biobased materials, combining familiar techniques with modern material science.

Sharing the Story of the Shoe

To tell the story behind the Korvaa shoe, Photino Science Communications filmed the entire development process. Their documentary, Planet of the Microbes, will premiere at a major film festival later this year. The film highlights how collaboration between scientists, designers, and communicators can speed up the shift toward bio-based production.

What Designers Can Learn

Although still a prototype, the Korvaa shoe offers valuable lessons for designers. Whether you work in fashion, product design, or material innovation, this concept shows how biological materials can meet both functional and creative needs. It encourages a shift away from synthetic complexity, offering a practical example of how sustainable alternatives can be integrated into future design processes.

Source: Designboom, Finnish Bioindustries, Photino Science Communications
Photos: Korvaa Consortium