Big Names Link with fashion to make the most sustainable shoes

The footwear has been delaying several steps behind the sectors of fashion clothing and accessories in sustainability bets. Then, the situation is being addressed by fashion forever with its important initiative to close the footwear loop '.

He has bought together 14 leading fashion and footwear brands and their existing circularity programs “to face the complexes of industry circularity.” The participating brands include Dr. Martens, Reformation, Adidas, Deichmann, Inditex, Lululemon, On, Otto Group, Puma, Reformation, Target, Tommy Hilfiger, Vivobarefoot and Zalando along with the foundation of Calería innovation.

The collaboration project aims to allow the “transformation of the linear model of linear” shoes “in a circular, promoting innovation through the value chain.” Therefore, the coalition is working with several ecosystem partners, including the Footwear Collective, Global Footwear Future Coalition (GFFC) and the Global Fashion Agenda “to boost a collaborative approach throughout the industry.”

And the problems facing the new fashion for good campaign are important, noting that the footwear faces “a complex challenge”, with the global footwear industry creating 23.8 billion pairs of shoes annually, “a figure that stands out so much its scale as its environmental footprint. ” Each shoe is also composed on average of more than 60 different components ranging from fabrics and plastics to rubber and adhesives.

He quotes more recent studies that claim that about 90% of footwear ends in landfills, “contributing to a mountain of increasing waste.” He also noted that the challenge “is exacerbated by the lack of reverse logistics infrastructure and the absence of design principles that prioritize circularity.”

He said that current practices focus largely on linear production models (manufacturing, use and discarding) “not addressing the product life cycle.”

But on the positive side, he also said that brands are already exploring innovative solutions, including the advances in material sciences and backward programs, to address these challenges and pave the way for the most circular footwear.

“These individual efforts complement the collaboration work within 'Close the footwear loop', creating a synergistic approach to boost change in the entire industry,” said the body.

This project aims to deliver: a detailed mapping of European footwear waste currents that provide crucial data on volumes, materials, re -rop and recyclability; A road map to the design of circular footwear, developed with fashion for the good circular of the students. Walking, describing the principles for the selection of materials, durability, recyclability, repair and responsible chemical management; and the validation of end -use innovations, including tests and impact evaluations, to overcome current bottlenecks and boost adoption throughout the industry.

Katrin Law, managing director of Fashion for Good, said: “The footwear industry is at a critical turning point. With billions of shoes produced annually and 90% ends up in landfills, 'closing the footwear loop' represents our most ambitious effort to reinvent how we design, use and eliminate the shoes. By gathering 14 leading brands, we are not only addressing a challenge, we are creating a plan for systemic change. ”