A local start-up is looking to change the way footwear impacts the environment by promising to take back all of its products. SeaPigs, headed by former Jesmond resident Mick Armstrong, is creating beach footwear that is not only eco-friendly but promises to be more ergonomic too.

In an interview with JesmondLocal, Armstrong explained that the idea came from a love of flip flops that he shares with business partner Amanda Mitten. As an ex-rugby player, Armstrong says he found most flip flops uncomfortable to wear and decided to create a pair that would support him.

“We have had our flip flops tested by physios and they say that the technology we are using can be beneficial for everybody,” he adds. He says he is hopeful that the company can sustain year-round sales since they plan to ship them globally and they are designed to be worn both at home as well as at the beach.

SeaPigs has also received interest from other markets such as South Africa and Australia, prompting Armstrong to add that the seasonal nature of flip flop sales “is a slight concern, but not a big worry.”

Armstrong admits that until a few years ago, he did not care much for the environment. “If I am honest with you, I was one of those people that thought somebody else should do it,” but over the last three years, he decided that he needed to be that someone.

The love he has for the oceans and preserving the environment has, he says, formed the key part of SeaPigs’ mission. Unlike many other manufacturers, SeaPigs does not want to make a large number of products cheaply and quickly, but rather make a product that the customer loves. “To make a truly sustainable product, the customer must love the product. If the customer doesn’t like it, it’s not sustainable in my eyes,” says Armstrong.

“I didn’t want to just create a product, but a product that was sustainable and also met the needs of customers.”

In order to ensure minimal environmental impact, the footwear is being stitched by hand rather than with glue. The company also promises £10 off customers’ next purchase if they return their product to SeaPigs, and will reuse all returned products in new products. Armstrong says he hopes that this model can inspire bigger brands like Nike and Coke to look at more sustainable ways of doing business, rather than just recycling their goods.

SeaPigs products do use plastic, which Armstrong defends: “I don’t hate plastic,” he says. “It is a feat of ingenuity and one of the world’s greatest inventions. It’s just that we are using it in the wrong manner.” The company will use recycled plastic nets as a thread since it is one of the strongest threads available. Mick believes that this will encourage plastic recycling, and reduce the amount of plastic waste.

“Plastic is not the problem, it’s how we are using it.”

Armstrong praises Newcastle University, which has backed the company and helped with funding. SeaPigs has been working in collaboration with the university for the last two years, under Newcastle’s START-UP scheme. The university also brought in marketing and UX designers to help SeaPigs launch the company.

Made from natural cork and rubber, SeaPigs’ drifters will go on sale through Kickstarter on 27 February. The unisex footwear will be available in two collections, Originals and Limited Edition.