Messengers of the wind: The pioneering shoes with recycled turbine blade soles

The ancients knew them as pédila or talaria—the sandals of Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Woven from palm branches and myrtle, these shoes, adorned with two pairs of wings, symbolized swift travel through the air. Hermes, known as Mercury to the Romans, guided sailors, merchants, and wanderers, embodying the spirit of exploration.

Centuries later, a shoe once again finds kinship with the wind. Specifically, with the “cierzo,” “solano,” “faviano,” “ipar haizea,” or “haize egoa” winds that sweep through the mountains and valleys of Navarre, a northern region in Spain. These winds power the turbines at ACCIONA Energía’s Aibar wind farm, generating clean energy.

A single 23-meter blade harnesses wind to produce 12,500 megawatt hours, preventing the emission of 5,461 tons of CO2—akin to the air-purifying effect of 4,160 trees. When one of these blades, after a long service since 1998, completed its cycle, a new challenge emerged: giving it a second life by fashioning limited-edition El Ganso sneakers.

In 2022, ACCIONA Energy sealed a collaboration with one of Spain’s trailblazing fashion houses, fueled by a joint commitment to sustainability. This resulted in our debut project: repurposing materials from retired wind blades—primarily fiberglass and epoxy resins—fused with rubber to create a line of eco-conscious footwear.

The final El Ganso x ACCIONA sneaker model boasts a unique design featuring both brand logos and a nod to the origin of the reclaimed material used in its soles. Thus, the Aibar wind farm blade embarks on a new journey, now grounded yet alive. This article shares the tale of how this remarkable transformation unfolded.

FROM BLADE TO SOLE

The Aibar wind farm blade diligently served for over two decades, contributing to renewable energy in Navarra as part of Spain’s early wind power initiatives. Upon its retirement, the tower and nacelle of the turbine easily found recycling avenues, as more than 85% of wind farm materials—predominantly steel, copper, and concrete—are recyclable.

However, recycling blades is a complex endeavor due to their composite nature—fiberglass or carbon fiber with epoxy resins, occasionally mixed with wood, steel, plastic, or paint.

This blend of materials, vital for achieving optimal strength, flexibility, and weight, necessitated imaginative solutions, leading to the birth of revolutionary shoes.

Upon discussion with El Ganso, it became evident that our venerable blade’s material could complement the rubber used in their sneaker soles. Through a mechanical friction process, the blade was transformed into a fine fiberglass and epoxy resin powder.

This powder, combined with rubber, was employed in the manufacturing process, ensuring the resulting sole maintained the strength, grip, and durability akin to conventional shoes. Finally, the sole was integrated into the shoe, ready for market release.

Footwear is just one avenue for “retired” blades. The second-hand market and pilot projects, like using materials for solar panel torsion beams, have been explored. Yet, the wind energy sector seeks more ambitious solutions for the multitude of blades reaching the end of their life expectancy.

In Spain alone, an estimated 20,000 blades will require recycling in the coming years. ACCIONA Energía, part of the RenerCycle consortium, alongside industry leaders, plans to invest 6.5 million euros by 2025, including establishing a blade recycling plant in Navarre.

INFOGRAFHIC. This is how a win turbine blade turns into the sole of an El Ganso sneaker

The El Ganso x ACCIONA sneakers epitomize a philosophy ingrained in ACCIONA’s ethos: maximizing resources and rejuvenating them post-cycle—a principle known as the circular economy.

Since 2021, ACCIONA Energy has upheld a Circular Economy Policy, aiming for a 100% recycling rate across all projects. Currently, our global waste recycling rate stands at 98%, showcasing our success in repurposing waste across diverse sectors—be it in construction, land restoration, fertilizer production, cement manufacturing, or, now, in sustainable fashion.

These sneakers represent a small yet impactful stride toward a larger goal—a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable development in the decades to come.

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