Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute applies for intellectual property rights for its environment-friendly insole. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A comfortable and environment-friendly shoe insole was developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute via the "Diversification of Philippine Textiles Through Nonwoven Innovations Research and Development Program" or the Nonwoven Innovations Program, using natural textile fiber-based nonwoven and knitted and woven fabrics.

Prototypes have already been developed using pineapple leaf fiber needle punched nonwovens with a combination of two or more layers: the upper lining, the lignocellulosic-based nonwoven textile and the optional backing support.

The middle nonwoven layer acts as the cushioning component of the shoe insole, providing comfort and protection for the wearer's feet.

The intellectual property rights for the insole has already been filed, disclosing the desired embodiment that it is made from 100-percent natural textile fiber from the linings to the nonwoven part.

Because of this new technology, a partnership with Creative Definitions was also forged to use the developed nonwoven in the insoles of their line of footwear; thus, supporting the objective to bridge the gap between research and industry.

For more info, visit http://nstw.dost.gov.ph/ or NSTW Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/nstwdost.