Italian luxury sneaker brand, Golden Goose, is moving on with its sustainability goal with the launch of Yatay, the first Made in Italy co-action platform for sustainable innovation, in collaboration with Coronet, a Milan-based maker of synthetic and plant-based leather alternatives.

Golden Goose announced in March that it would merge with a well-known Italian research and development company as part of a plan to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and scalability solutions, and in Coronet they have found a leader in animal-free, bio-based, and recycled materials research and production.

Yatay will be launched by the two firms at the end of 2022, combining Golden Goose's consumer understanding with Coronet's cutting-edge innovation to create inventions that have a good social and economic impact while leaving the smallest environmental footprint possible.

They go on to say that this cooperation will allow for ongoing testing phases, direct verification of findings on Golden Goose products, consumer input and then making the advances available to luxury players.

The Yatay Model 1B, a new creative shoe designed using the most sophisticated technology and bio-based materials, will be the initial focus of the cooperation, which will premiere on April 22. The gender-neutral sneaker will be created exclusively in Italy from Yatay B, a bio-based polymer derived from plant sources with recycled polyester and biodegradable rubber as components. When compared to leather, Yatay B reduces CO2 emissions by 90% and water consumption by 65%.

A biodegradable sole manufactured by hand-engraving print, making each piece unique and giving it Golden Goose's lived-in signature, is another highlight of the simple, very durable animal-free sneaker. A white Y runs from one side to the other of the shoe, symbolizing the notion of circularity, and white laces are made from recycled cotton and polyester.

Furthermore, the left heel tab of the Yatay Model 1B contains a unique code imprinted on it that, when the input, allows the wearer to participate in Golden Goose's environmental activities, such as visiting a dedicated area to plant a tree, watching its growth, and see how much CO2 it absorbs.

The packaging was also created with the goal of reducing waste. The box is totally recyclable and consists of up to 50% recycled FSC paper, and it can be used as a shoebox as well as a mailing package.

Golden Goose's goal, according to the move, is to inspire its members to take little steps that, when added together, can "produce a chain of positive improvements."

The Golden Goose Yatay Model 1B is available for purchase on the brand's website for 250 pounds / 295 euros / 350 US dollars.