The Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI) has developed a comfortable and an environment-friendly shoe insole, using natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, and knitted and woven fabrics.
The development of the eco-friendly shoe insole was made possible through the “Diversification of Philippine Textiles Through Nonwoven Innovations R&D Program” or the Nonwoven Innovations Program.
“Prototypes have already been developed using pineapple leaf fiber needle punched nonwovens, with combination of two or more layers: the upper lining, the lignocellulosic-based non woven textile and the optional backing support,” the DOST said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
“The middle non woven layer acts as the cushioning component of the shoe insole that provides comfort as well as protection to the feet of the wearer."
The DOST said the filing of Intellectual Property (IP) for the shoe insole has already been made at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL ), and it was manifested that the newly developed product is made from 100 percent natural textile fibers, from the linings to the non woven.
The PTRI forged a partnership with Creative Definitions to use the developed nonwovens in the insoles of their own line of footwear in a bid to bridge the gap between research and industry.
"To put more value to the product using SmarTex technologies, DOST-PTRI is currently in the process of improving the technology with added features like odor control and antimicrobial finishing. Despite being in its initial stages, it is already showing potential as a competitive option in the footwear industry.”
Meanwhile, the Institute’s Nonwoven Innovations Program sought to use local natural textile fibers from different sources such as pineapple leaf, abaca, bamboo, and banana in the production of nonwoven textiles for various industrial use for automotive, filtration, and alternative leather applications.
The eco-friendly shoe insole is among the technologies that will be showcased in the upcoming virtual celebration of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week from Nov. 22 to 28. The event is anchored on the theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon’’.