XpreSole Panto: Revolutionizing Footwear with Spent Coffee Grounds

Wilson Hsu's Innovative Design Turns Coffee Waste into Sustainable Rainboots

The XpreSole Panto is not just any rainboot. It's an eco-friendly, ultra-lightweight boot made from 15 cups of SCGs. This innovative design is a testament to the power of the circular economy, turning hazardous waste into a functional and stylish product. The boots' lifecycle is closely associated with community engagement, from material harvest to reuse.

Creating the XpreSole Panto involves a unique process. Hsu's company, Ccilu, upcycles SCGs into coffee yarns used in the bootie and the sock-liner. The SCGs are also fused and foamed with polyurethane to form the insole, and hybridized with ethylene-vinyl-acetate to mold the upper shell and the outsole. The result is a boot that is not only waterproof and dirt-proof but also offers moisture-wicking, odor/mildew-control, and a soft touch to the foot skin. Plus, it comes with a fresh coffee smell.

But the XpreSole Panto is more than just a product; it's a movement. By upcycling SCGs, Ccilu is increasing awareness of the circular economy and encouraging coffee makers and consumers worldwide to join their efforts. This global, long-term movement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices in the footwear industry.

The project, which started in May 2018 in Taiwan and finished in September 2020, is set to go to market in Q2 2021. The research and development process was not without its challenges. For instance, the XpreSole Panto is the only boot in the world that can be machine-washed up to 100 times. This feature required innovative design and high-tech materials, resulting in a boot that is one-third the weight of a traditional rainboot and carries a fresh coffee smell all the time.

The XpreSole Panto's innovative design and sustainable approach have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, it was awarded Silver in the A' Footwear, Shoes, and Boots Design Award, a prestigious accolade that recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs. This award is a testament to Hsu's outstanding expertise and innovation, and it is a positive step towards Ccilu's vision of developing the first carbon-neutral footwear by the end of 2021.