Vaude unveils prototype of 'world's first' recyclable backpack made from 100% TPU material

German outdoor gear specialist Vaude has taken a logical step forward with the "Leave No Trace" backpack, reducing the backpack to a single material and 3D printed components
.
For now, the Novum 3D backpack is just a prototype, laying the groundwork for a more environmentally friendly gear category that is fully recyclable at the end of its useful life
.

Introducing Novum 3D last month, Vaude said: “Ideally, a product should be fully returned to the production process at the end of its life cycle
.
This is true recycling, but it’s still a huge challenge for the textile industry at the moment.

.
Many products are made up of at least five to ten different materials or mixed fabrics, so separation by type is not possible
.
”

So Vaude turned to more and more simple concepts we've seen lately, including the recent Polestar O2 concept car interior: a single-material construction
.
Novum 3D backpacks, harnesses and back pads are made from 100% thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), so there are no mixed materials to complicate recycling
.
All non-TPU parts, such as buckles, are easily removable so that they can be peeled off before recycling
.

Vaude already uses welds in the backpacks and bags it produces, which is also a feature of Novum 3D's recyclability
.
Welds eliminate threads and eliminate the need to hold various components and pieces of material together, maintaining the integrity of the single-material structure
.
Welding is also valuable because it eliminates pinholes, which improves water resistance
.

A substandard product sitting on a store shelf, or reaching its end of life quickly, undermines Vaude's eco-friendly intentions
.
So the company worked hard to make the Novum 3D a highly comfortable, functional backpack that is also recyclable
.
To do this, it partnered with German plastics and additive manufacturing specialist Oechsler to 3D print TPU honeycomb panels to replace the typical foam backsheet
.
The honeycomb structure was chosen for optimum stability with minimum material and weight, as well as providing natural ventilation through an open design
.
Vaude and Oechsler used additive manufacturing to alter the lattice structure and alter the stiffness levels throughout the different backplane regions, ensuring better pressure distribution and damping for improved overall comfort and outdoor performance
.

Vaude also emphasizes that the overall collaboration with Oechsler in Germany contributes to the overall sustainability of Novum's 3D design, which is designed, developed and produced in Vaude's climate and headquarters, and reduces the need for long-distance transportation
.
While this may only seem to be about prototypes, Vaude has made "Made in Germany" a creed of its corporate mission since its founding in 1980, producing backpacks and other products in its own German factory
.
In fact, after a lightning strike in 2015 severely damaged its original factory, the company doubled down on domestic manufacturing by building a larger factory at its Tettnang-Obereisenbach headquarters
.