I’ve mentioned Modern Meadow’s biofabricated leather and the sustainability benefits of this technology in my last post. However, Nike also recently launched its new Flyleather material, which has been incorporated in its Tennis Classic footwear style now available online and as well as in several limited edition footwear styles.

Nike’s Flyleather material is made with at least 50% recycled natural leather fiber made from discarded cow hide scraps from the floor of tanneries. The recycled leather fibers are combined with synthetic fibers, and a fabric infrastructure via a hydro process with a strong force that fuses everything into one material (see the animated picture below). The material then goes through a finishing process, which can include things like pigmentation, and is completed by being put on a roll to be cut.

Unlike traditional leathers, Flyleather can be produced with a consistent grade across a broader range of product, according to Nike. Flyleather reportedly uses 90% less water, it is 5x more durable (compared to traditional leather based on abrasion testing), it is 40% lighter, it has 80% lower carbon footprint, and it diverts waste from landfill. A pair of Nike Flyleather shoes reportedly has around half the carbon footprint compared to shoes made with traditional leather.

By the way, if you are a US resident, you have only until tomorrow (September 30) for a chance to win one of the special edition shoes made with Nike FlyLeather! Click on this link!

Nike’s Flyleather Tennis Classic shoes is being sold online for $85 per pair (not bad!).