While more recent numbers are unavailable, it’s safe to assume that with more vehicles on Malaysia’s roads with each increasing year, more used tyres are being dumped in landfills.

This is worrying are tyres are non-biodegradable and therefore a hazard to the environment.

Genuinely concerned about this problem, one Malaysian entrepreneur Diwakaran Sakar and his team at Cockatoe, are doing their part for the environment by fashioning soles for footwear using these discarded rubber tyres.

And as unorthodox as that sounds, Cockatoe’s catalogue is filled with presentable and comfortable footwear, giving their customers a chance to go green and be fashionable at the same time.

Diwakaran, 29, spoke with FMT to share the story behind Cockatoe and why it strives to be a sustainable business.

“Each and every one of our sandals is purely handmade,” he said. “We upcycle used tyres to make these sandals.”

While recycling involves destroying waste to create something new, upcycling takes that waste and creates something new from its present form.

The business idea apparently came to Diwakaran in 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he and his friends wanted to do something meaningful for the world.

“Used tyres are usually not something people think of recycling. During my research, I was inspired by certain overseas brands which make use of these tyres. So, why not do it in Malaysia too?”

So, the team started working with local scrap dealers for their supply of used tyres for their sandals.

“We do have to check and double check if the tyres we are reusing are suited for the purpose,” added Diwakaran, with some tyres being too thick or too damaged to serve as soles.

Given that Diwakaran studied business in university, one must wonder how he handled the career change to become a fashion designer.

Well, his graphic design diploma came in handy. “So, I do have a little knowledge of designing,” he conceded.

Still, establishing a start-up, especially your first, is no easy feat. Diwakaran said that running Cockatoe has been a challenge, especially as it’s more of a side project for him at present.

He remains optimistic however, saying: “Who knows? I might one day be running Cockatoe full-time?”

Support from family and friends has been “amazing” though, he said, adding that whenever Cockatoe rents a pop-up booth to sell their footwear, his family and friends show up for support, a gesture he is forever grateful for.

That said, Cockatoe’s sandals are attractive in their own right, being versatile footwear suited for any occasion.

While some are made with a velvety material for indoor use, others are fashioned from water-resistant leather to withstand the Malaysian outdoors.

For now, Cockatoe’s footwear are available for men and women, though plans for children’s footwear are in the works.

Most of the sandals begin their lives as sketches by Diwakaran himself, before being passed down the production line to become actual footwear.

“Umm, maybe more than 20?” Diwakaran replied when asked how many designs have come from his sketchbook. “Maybe 25 or 30!” He also accepts customised orders.

Every season brings new designs, and according to Diwakaran, up to 80% of the previous year’s offerings have already been sold.

As for whether Cockatoe will be introducing shoes into its product line, Diwakaran promised: “They will come, sooner or later!”

Diwakaran said he was sure his customers buy Cockatoe’s sandals not only because of aesthetics or comfort, but because they support Cockatoe’s goals of sustainability. “They love what we do.”

“Whenever I’m running a booth, it feels almost magical when customers come up to me and recognise me and the brand,” he said.

Additionally, it still surprises Diwakaran how far customers are willing to travel for a pair of Cockatoe sandals, with some coming from as far away as Johor Bahru. And that’s even when Cockatoe offers delivery services throughout Malaysia, including East Malaysia, and Singapore.

And does Diwakaran hope for a physical store in the future? “Definitely! I’m definitely looking forward to that moment!”

Check out Cockatoe’s footwear here and see what fits you best, and check out their Instagram profile.