The Munich-based brand nat-2, led by designer Sebastian Thies, has been recognized with the 11th Recycling Design Award for its innovative Post Cov Sneaker. Announced at the Marta Herford Museum on 1 December 2024, the award celebrates creative solutions that transform waste materials into functional, sustainable designs. The Post Cov Sneaker stands out as a striking example of how circular material use can redefine product design.

Turning Waste into Wearable Design
Inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, the sneaker incorporates materials that hold both practical and symbolic significance. Its outer layer is made from refrigerator insulation, a material typically discarded after its initial use. By repurposing this industrial waste, the sneaker showcases how unconventional materials can be elevated into high-quality, durable products. The design also features a transparent blue sole made from nitrile gloves with expired use-by dates, a poignant nod to the surplus of single-use medical items produced during the pandemic. These gloves, which are often destroyed unused, find new life in this project, addressing a pressing waste issue while contributing to circularity.

Sustainability Meets Comfort and Craftsmanship
Inside the sneaker, a soft, antibacterial lining made with Bio-Ceramic fibres enhances comfort and durability, while a removable sole crafted from recycled cork emphasises both functionality and sustainability. These elements combine to create a shoe that is not only vegan and PETA-approved, but also a symbol of thoughtful material reuse.

The Post Cov Sneaker is handmade in Italy by a family-owned company that has been producing footwear since 1856. This long tradition of craftsmanship meets contemporary concerns about environmental impact, resulting in a product that is ethically produced, stylish, and enduring. The sneaker’s minimalist aesthetic is based on nat-2’s timeless Sleek model, ensuring its relevance well beyond current trends.

A Reflection on the Pandemic
The name “Post Cov” carries an ironic tone, reflecting on the societal and political implications of the pandemic while remaining sensitive to its clinical and human toll. This layered approach adds depth to a project that is as much about storytelling as it is about design innovation.

A Platform for Circular Design
The Recycling Design Award, organized by RecyclingBörse e.V. and the OS2 Designgroup, aims to foster awareness of sustainability and resource conservation. This year’s competition drew more than 400 entries from across the globe. Projects like the Post Cov Sneaker highlight the possibilities of circular design, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into objects that are not only functional but also aesthetically compelling.

Exhibition Details
The Post Cov Sneaker will be on display at the Marta Herford Museum until March 2025, after which the exhibition will travel to Berlin and Nuremberg, providing a wider audience with the opportunity to explore the possibilities of sustainable, innovative design.

Source: nat-2™ press release