We all feel deeply connected to nature and motivated to replenish the environment and make a greater contribution to the planet. The climate crisis further motivated our intention to contribute more actively and that was when we realised that as designers and creatives we are able to transform plastic trash from Portuguese coast into raw material.
We are essentially an eco-vegan footwear brand that uses plastic trash from the Portuguese coast together with ecological and sustainable materials to create shoes and sandals.
Every year over 22 million tons of plastic ends up in our ocean. With a group of six hundred volunteers from local institutions, NGOs and schools we have managed to begin to clean up our coast.
As a result, this year we removed one ton of plastic waste from Portuguese beaches.” (Adriana Mano)
We pride ourselves in the fair and ethical manufacturing of our products, fully made in Portugal. Our factory in Guimarães guarantees that every pair of sneakers has the same detail and perfection.
When you receive your sneakers you will find a letter with all the materials used in your sneakers, quantities, and the location where the plastic within the sole was collected. You will also discover the name of the people that made your Zouri shoe.
Our long-term mission is to inspire other designers and entrepreneurs to use what is considered waste as a raw material. Our vision is to develop an eco-design academy that develops products, art and systems made with waste.” (Adriana Mano)
The upper and lining is made with organic cotton (GOTS and Fair Trade certified) or piñatex (pineapple leaves fabric) and the lining with recycled PET fabric.
The natural rubber outsole is mixed with plastic trash from the ocean and the EVA midsole with 15% recycled material.
Each pair of sneakers reuses the equivalent of six bottles of plastic from the ocean.
The organic cotton come from Germany. Our piñatex comes from the United Kingdom. EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) recycled and plastic from the Portuguese coast. Insoles and lining come from Spain. The cork, soles, laces and shoe boxes are from Portugal.” (Adriana Mano)
The concept and design process happens in our Atelier in Braga, Portugal. We select and develop the models, test them with extreme scrutiny for durability, comfort and ergonomy. Once we have the final prototype, we work with artisans in Guimarães to produce the best quality sneakers with the most sustainable techniques.” (Adriana Mano)