KORVAA CONSORTIUM
by Ecovative x Modern Synthesis x Ourobio x Photino Science Communications
Inspired by the principle that nature doesn’t maximise – it optimises, the Korvaa Consortium set out to design one of fashion’s most complex products - the running shoe - and to reimagine it the way that nature might. Traditional footwear uses 30+ material components, with undesirable impacts at every stage: from petrochemical origins through to harmful chemicals, dyes, adhesives, and performance finishes. By contrast, this concept shoe uses just five biologically-derived material inputs: mycelium, bacterial nanocellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), cotton, and lyocell. Each material was selected for its specialised function and properties, and was developed by leading biomaterial companies commercialising these technologies.
The shoe upper was made by Modern Synthesis from nanocellulose – an extremely strong natural compound produced by microbes – combined with a 100% cotton substrate. The midsole was 3D-printed by Ourobio using PHAs; bio-based, biodegradable polyesters that offer structure without petrochemical-derived plastics. The sole was made by Ecovative from mycelium, the root-like system of fungi, which is grown directly through the PHA scaffold to form a structured base unit. The shoe was constructed using traditional string-lasting techniques, finished with laces and support linings made from cotton and lyocell. The collaboration was documented by Photino Science Communications, a Finnish science communication company. Their full-length documentary, ‘Planet of the Microbes’, follows the journey of the shoe from lab to artefact.
The Korvaa shoe offers a blueprint for rethinking complexity through collaboration. It’s a step beyond sustainability, signalling a new production paradigm where science, design and manufacturing converge to solve material challenges with nature’s elegance and efficiency.
COMPOSITION
Main upper: 100% cotton organza upper with cotton embroidery as base fabric and a transparent Modern Synthesis bacterial cellulose coating. Reinforcements (cage + eyestays, toebox, heel counter): 100% lyocell non-woven as base fabric with transparent Modern Synthesis bacterial cellulose coating. Soft collar lining: 100% lyocell non-woven. Midsole/sole: 3D Printed scaffold made from PHA, overgrown with 100% Mycelium foam. Laces and threads: 100% cotton.
sarah@modernsynthesis.com