Research On Adhesive-Free Self-Assembled Modular Design Of Footwear As A Solution To The Footwear Waste Epidemic

More than 20 billion shoes are produced every year with the majority eventually ending up in landfills chiefly because the use of strong adhesives to bond different materials together makes the recycling of footwear extremely difficult.Not only overconsumption and recycling shoes is the problem what's more,current shoe manufacturing processes are energy intensive and have a high carbon impact that negatively effects the environment.This paper explores the function and significance of modular design methods,self-assembly methods,and glue free construction as a solution to these environmental problems that face the footwear industry.The author conducts in-depth research and critique of current sustainable trends in the footwear industry,inquiries into sustainable material substitution options,and conducts an evaluation different footwear markets.Based on the findings of this research the author then attempts to formulate an innovative design plan of environmentally conscious footwear that includes;Defining a specific target audience,improving upon the recyclability and sustainability of materials and manufacturing methods,and minimizing the space and materials used in packaging.This design plan is then utilized to create an innovative selfassembling children's shoe concept that uses no glue and has an ultimate goal of advancing the shoe industry by solving its multiple environmental problems.