Ecobene | Sneakers Made from old Tennis Balls

When the air is gone, a tennis ball usually ends up in the trash. Yet the rubber and felt inside could keep bouncing for a long time. The Swiss company Ecobene makes exactly that possible – transforming used tennis balls into high-quality sneakers.

Clever: Ecobene takes the durable materials from tennis balls and turns them into shoes. The rubber from inside the balls goes into the soles, while the felt is woven into new upper material. The result is a breathable shoe with great wearing comfort and a stable yet flexible sole.

Sustainable: By recycling tennis balls, Ecobene reduces the need for new raw materials and minimizes the ecological footprint. Reusing the rubber and felt helps conserve resources and prevents these materials from ending up in incineration.

Inclusive: Because Mr. Green values partnerships with social institutions, this product is packaged and shipped by the employees of Wohnwerk. Located in Basel, Wohnwerk is a workplace for people with disabilities who take great pride in their work.