HEELBLAST

The message of the project

The project's aim is to establish a digital value supply chain with low-carbon, energy-efficient operations for mass production, creating minimal waste of 0-15%. All products will be designed and engineered digitally, significantly reducing sample time and the depletion of material resources during the development stage. The data retrieved at this point in the timeline will be utilised for automated low-carbon LCD printing, eliminating the need for CNC tooling, which typically costs around £18,000 for a full size range, excluding additional material resources and manufacturing costs. The value proposition lies in the benefits of low-carbon automation, with reduced waste at low cost, enabling a UK domestic footwear brand to provide innovative, fashion-forward products in line with current global standards.

The idea behind the project

The idea behind the project is to develop a modular system for shoe components with a dual purpose, creating two aesthetics: a sneaker and a heel, while incorporating traditional shoemaking techniques. Additive manufacturing applications in digital engineering value chains and 3D printing will be harnessed to equip startup footwear brands with the opportunity to explore innovation.

What next?

The vision is to produce innovative performance footwear manufactured in the UK, employing an automated digital value chain manufacturing system with low carbon output while generating minimal waste. This project contributes to the technological advancement of manufacturing in the UK, marking the first attempt to introduce innovation and diversity across the footwear sector, aiming to establish a sustainable platform. In three years, the company anticipates securing partnerships with an injection moulding manufacturing company to assist with manufacturing operations and a renewable materials manufacturer that can share material science research in developing a high-performance compound suited to its needs in the UK. Forming strategic alliances with complementary businesses will leverage each other's strengths and create barriers to entry for competitors. By year three, the company aims to be fully operational, having achieved its annual target sales of 2,550 units, with an estimated revenue of £316,750. The next goal will be to make manufacturing resources available to other global brands as a means to expand operations, alongside the launch of a recycled facility dedicated to upcycling commercial footwear waste.