This post is sponsored by VIVAIA. All opinions are my own.

I think you’ve probably noticed by now that I have a special collaboration going on with eco-friendly shoe brand VIVAIA. I was keen on the collaboration because I genuinely like their shoes. Some of their styles are extremely cute, and my sensible side is most excited that they keep me comfy all day long.

I decided it was finally time to ask them a few questions to really understand the business model and just how sustainable they really are.

How the hell is plastic turned into threads?

They have a supply chain that recycles discarded PET bottles from the ocean. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate; it’s a form of polyester. Then, the factory cleans up the bottes to make sure there is no filth and dirt in them. The cutting machine then chips the plastic into flakes which are later transformed into threads. The factory then loads the fabric into the company’s 3D knitting machine.

Pretty cool.

Why is their factory in China?

I won’t lie; I did raise my brows when I saw that they ship straight from their factory in China. But it seems they get this question a lot!

They’re planning to have some local stock in the US and Europe soon, but in the meantime, they ship directly from their factory.

Interestingly, China is one of the biggest producers of textiles and uses advanced technology in production. VIVAIA assured me they closely monitor their factory and regularly assess working conditions to make sure there are healthy working conditions for all employees at all times.

The factory also partially uses renewable energy whenever possible. By shipping directly to the consumer, they reduce their carbon footprint, and the associated costs.

Not a bad business model, if you ask me.

What materials are used, besides the plastic bottles?

Every time I check a new collection on their website, I see there are new materials listed. It seems they’re continuously discovering suitable eco-friendly materials to use on their shoes. The heel part of one of their collections is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (say that three times fast!), which is the same plastic Lego uses! The soles are created using carbon-free rubber for a highly elastic and flexible feel that is shock-resistant, fungi-proof and odor-resistant.

If you’re ready to try something new that’ll be good for the planet, head to www.vivaiacollection.com and let me know what you think.

And if you do decide to make a purchase, feel free to use my code DA for an additional 18% discount.