Technological watch

Royal DSM confirms the introduction of the first seamless trail running shoe made with bio-based Dyneema® fiber by norda™, a Canadian shoe brand.
Enhanced Performance and Sustainability
Designed for runners by runners, norda™ was founded under the mission to empower athletes to unlock their peak potential through innovation and cutting-edge technology. The brand’s flagship product, norda™001, utilizes Dyneema® fiber to enhance performance and sustainability in a lightweight construction.
The shoe upper is seamlessly constructed with Dyneema® fabric, which benefits from the intrinsic properties of Dyneema®. Dyneema® fiber is engineered at the molecular level to provide high strength, low weight, waterproof and breathable properties – fusing the technical performance of ultra-light materials with an aesthetic design that does not sacrifice strength or durability.
Four Times the Strength and Stretchability
In addition to the increased foot stability and wearer comfort of the upper, Dyneema® fibers are also used to increase abrasion resistance and stretch in the shoelaces – providing four times the level of strength when compared to standard lace materials like nylon and polyester.
"When we set out to create the norda™ 001, our mission was to design an ultra-strong and durable high performance trail running shoe, and do it as sustainably as possible,” states Willamina and Nick Martire, CEO & Co-Founders, norda™. “To achieve our goal, we had to look outside of the standard materials used by the footwear industry. We realized the properties of bio-based Dyneema® beat everything available today.”
90% Lower Carbon Footprint
In line with DSM’s commitment to protect people and the environment they live in, bio-based Dyneema® boasts the same exact performance as conventional Dyneema® with a carbon footprint that is 90 percent lower than generic HMPE. Sourced from renewable, bio-based feedstock, DSM’s latest advancement in fiber technology uses the mass balance approach to further reduce the reliance on fossil fuel based resources, while still contributing to a more circular economy.
“The latest development with norda™ is an example of how Dyneema® fibers are enabling our customers to deliver the highest performing products made with the most sustainably sourced materials to end consumers,” states Marcio Manique, global business director, consumer & professional protection, DSM Protective Materials. “Incorporating bio-based Dyneema® fibers means there’s no compromise when it comes to performance or sustainability.”
Together with suppliers, customers and key partners, DSM is building an integrated product portfolio that enables both innovation and environmental responsibility. The partnership between DSM and norda™ breaks the historical boundaries of footwear development in the trail running category and proves that performance and sustainability should always run together.