This startup manufactures handmade vegan sneakers using upcycled grape waste, recycled cotton, and other sustainable materials sourced from agricultural byproducts. By providing stylish and ethically responsible footwear, the company caters to eco-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to conventional leather and synthetic shoes.
Funding
$220K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional footwear production relies heavily on animal-derived materials like leather and synthetic materials that contribute to environmental pollution and ethical concerns. The disposal of agricultural waste, such as grape remains from wine production, poses an environmental challenge.
Solution
VLACE offers handmade vegan sneakers crafted from upcycled agricultural waste and recycled materials, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional footwear. The sneakers utilize grape waste from the Italian wine industry, recycled PET bottles, and other plant-based materials to create a leather-like material with a reduced environmental impact. Manufactured in a family-run facility in Portugal, the sneakers combine ethical production practices with stylish designs. By using recycled and upcycled materials, VLACE reduces water consumption, CO2 emissions, and reliance on animal products in the fashion industry.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes environmentally conscious consumers seeking stylish, ethically produced, and vegan footwear options.
Features
- Upper material made from upcycled grape waste, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester
- Inner lining made from recycled PET bottles
- Handcrafted in Portugal in a family-run facility
- Unisex designs
- Free shipping within Germany
- Available in various styles, including VLACE'93 and VLACE'95 models
- Collaborations with brands like Innocent Smoothies, using orange waste in limited-edition sneakers