In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable fashion, four students from the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) have designed eco-friendly footwear made from local cattail plants and discarded denim fabric. This project is the first of its kind in Bangladesh, showcasing the possibilities of green innovation in the country’s textile industry.

Named ‘Eco-Step,’ the shoes are made using materials that are often viewed as harmful to the environment. The insole is created from braided Kachuripana (cattails), a plant found widely in Bangladesh’s water bodies. The shoe’s outer part is made from recycled denim waste. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental harm.

The creators—Tashfiq Hossain, Arnab Halder Abhi, Fardin Bin Monir, and Annoy Debnath—from the Textile Engineering Management Department, worked under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Marzia Dulal. Developed in the Product Development Lab at BUTEX, the shoes are made using a hand-braiding technique. The team dried and braided cattail stems to form the sole and decorative laces, giving the shoes a natural and rustic look.