How Do They Do It? Season 12 Episode 12 Espadrilles and More

In season 12 episode 12 of How Do They Do It?, titled "Espadrilles and More," viewers are taken on a journey through the manufacturing process of some of the world's most popular and practical items. The episode features three segments, each highlighting a different product and its unique creation process.

The first segment follows the production of espadrilles, a type of shoe that originated in Spain and has now become a popular choice around the globe. The process begins with the selection of materials, focusing on the traditional use of jute for the sole of the shoe. Viewers are taken to a jute field where workers harvest the plant and then to a factory where it is turned into the final product. The next step in the process is the creation of the cotton upper for the shoe, which is made in a textile factory using high-speed looms. Finally, the pieces are brought together in an espadrille workshop, where skilled craftsmen finish the shoes by hand. This segment showcases the reliance on traditional techniques in the creation of this timeless shoe, as well as the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who produce it.

The second segment focuses on the production of paper cups, a ubiquitous item used daily around the world. This segment begins in a paper mill, where massive rolls of paper are created by pressing wood pulp fibers together. The paper is then transported to a cup factory, where it is formed into cups using a high-speed process. This process involves cutting the paper roll into individual pieces, shaping them into a cup, and then adding a water-resistant coating, all at an extremely high rate of speed. Finally, the cups are packed into boxes and shipped off to be used by consumers. This segment highlights the impressive engineering that goes into the creation of such a widely used product, as well as the importance of the paper industry in the creation of many other products.

The final segment highlights the manufacturing process of one of the world's most loved foods: pasta. The segment begins with the selection of the durum wheat used in the pasta, followed by the milling process that creates the semolina flour used to make it. Viewers are then taken to a pasta factory, where the dough is made using a mix of semolina and water, then extruded through molds to form different pasta shapes. The freshly extruded pasta is then dried, packaged, and shipped off to stores around the world. This segment showcases the science behind the creation of pasta, including the precise measurements needed for the perfect outcome, as well as the importance of high-quality ingredients.

Overall, "Espadrilles and More" highlights the manufacturing process of three very different, yet equally important products. The episode showcases the importance of traditional techniques, engineering, and even science in the creation of some of the world's most useful and beloved items. Viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the products they use every day and the impressive processes behind their creation.