Hejje- A Sustainable Alternative for Footwear

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Sustainable Design complies with social, economic and ecological viability while designing products, built environment, Systems and services. The intent is to "minimize or completely eliminate negative environmental impact through skillful and sensitive design".

To me, sustainability means living so that what we consume does not vastly exceed what we contribute.

A sturdy textile was created by Studio Tjeerd Veenhoven in the Netherlands using the leaves of the Areca palm. Made by soaking the plant matter in a special biological solution that leaves it supple and pliable. Its a biodegradable, 100% vegan material with some of the properties of animal leather and rubber. Suitable for a wide range of products, including bags, footwear, and journal covers. It opens opportunities for artisans in South India, where there are ample plantations of Areca.

Natural fiber based raw material can provide an exciting alternative for the vibrant crafts as well as mainstream industry in looking for alternative solutions for sustainable options in packaging and other consumer applications. Areca is therefore an interesting substitute which is not yet fully explored.

My vision was to to understand this new material and create contemporary Areca products for a market that is yet to prosper.

Areca catechu is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. The palm is believed to have originated in the Philippines,but is widespread in cultivation and is considered naturalized in southern China (Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan), Taiwan, India,

Footwear Collection- Made from maximum two pieces of laminated Palm Leather. They are meant for a duration of two weeks and can be disposed of easily without harming the environment. Footwear for hospitality, lifestyle and airlines industries are just some of the applications for such kind of an alternative.