The Full Story
ABOUT COMPOUND
Here, you can learn about the origins of our brand, inspired by our deep connections to the motorsport industry. Discover how we transform waste tyres into stylish, sustainable footwear, driven by a commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible fashion. Explore our journey and the values that guide us as we innovate for a greener future.
LOCKDOWN LEARNINGS
Compound Footwear was conceived during the 2020 lockdown when Compound’s founder, Alex Witty, was studying Product Design at Brighton University. Alex was watching highlights from the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on Netflix’s Drive to Survive on the sofa with his house-mates when it was revealed that around 1,800 tyres that had been shipped all the way to Australia for the cancelled race, were now going to be sent back to the UK and disposed of. Alex said: “The thought of so many brand new Formula 1 race tyres being shipped to the other side of the world to be scrapped was appalling and made me think that more could be done with this unique ‘waste’ material.
Due to the Covid lockdown, the university labs and workshops were closed so Alex had to complete his final year sustainable sneaker project in his bedroom. His experimental attempts included gathering plastic waste from Brighton beach and melting ocean plastic in rows of panini presses in search of recyclable waste materials to use in the manufacturing process. He also created new materials using coffee waste gathered from outside Brighton cafes and heated in the student oven, which didn’t win him flatmate of the year award! Alex says: “I recognized the urgent need to tackle two major waste problems: the 4 billion tyres piling up in landfills globally or being incinerated, and the 22 billion shoes thrown away each year”. Fuelled by his commitment to sustainability, Alex embarked on a journey to turn overlooked waste streams into a powerful force for environmental change, one step, or shoe, at a time.
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FAMILY TIES
The origin of Compound Footwear traces back to my family, particularly my father, who worked in Formula 1 during the 1980s alongside legends like Ayrton Senna at Toleman. Growing up immersed in the world of motorsport ignited my passion and curiosity. While I was captivated by the energy and innovation of the racing world, I never imagined that one day I would harness this knowledge and experience to create something entirely new. This rich history in motorsport became the foundation for our journey in crafting sustainable and stylish footwear, transforming the very materials once used in racing into eco-friendly shoes for everyday wear.
THE CATALYST
Alex’s journey truly began when he decided to dive back into the world of motorsport, getting hands-on with race teams and exploring the very essence of what makes racing so exhilarating. As he immersed himself in this high-octane environment, he became acutely aware of the staggering amount of waste generated by the sport, particularly the discarded tyres. This realization sparked a vision: to find a way to repurpose this waste into something valuable. Drawing on his background as a product and sneaker designer, honed at the University of Brighton where he specialized in waste utilization, Alex saw an opportunity to merge his passions. He envisioned a line of footwear that not only embodied the spirit of motorsport but also championed sustainability by recycling tyres into stylish, eco-friendly shoes. This innovative approach marked the inception of Compound Footwear, blending cutting-edge design with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
COMPOUND INTERNATIONAL
At Compound Footwear, we want to connect and resonate with eco-conscious consumers and motorsport enthusiasts alike. We are excited to partner with talented designers, drivers, and athletes who embody our brand's ideology of sustainability, innovation, and style. By collaborating with individuals who share our commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to amplify our message and reach a broader audience. These partnerships will not only enhance our brand's visibility but also infuse fresh creativity and authenticity into our products. As we move forward, we plan to launch exclusive collections and campaigns featuring these collaborators, highlighting their unique contributions and the shared vision that drives Compound Footwear. Together, we aspire to inspire change and champion a greener future through the fusion of fashion and motorsport.
CLOTHING
Expanding the Compound universe, we are thrilled to introduce our sustainable clothing line, crafted to complement our eco-friendly footwear. We've designed a range of apparel that stays true to our commitment to sustainability and style. In an exciting development, we are working on an innovative system that will allow us to recycle and respin old race team clothes into new, sustainable garments. This initiative, set to launch in the near future, will ensure that even the clothing we produce supports our mission of reducing waste and promoting circular fashion. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or simply someone who values sustainable fashion, our clothing line offers something for everyone, reinforcing our dedication to a greener planet and stylish living.
SUSTAINABILITY
The environmental impact of tyre waste is staggering, with the motorsport industry alone discarding over 600,000 tyres each year. This is just a fraction of the global figure, where 1.5 billion tyres are used annually. With the rise of electric vehicles, which are heavier and place greater strain on tyres, this number is set to increase significantly. At Compound Footwear, we see this as both a challenge and an opportunity. By repurposing discarded tyres into high-quality, stylish footwear, we contribute to reducing this immense waste. Our shoes make a powerful statement, showcasing that sustainability and fashion can go hand in hand. Each pair not only embodies eco-conscious innovation but also stands as a desirable, sexy addition to anyone’s wardrobe, proving that environmental responsibility can also be exceptionally chic.