LIFE GreenShoes4All

The European footwear industry generates significant CO2 and non-recyclable waste. In the absence of universal targets or assessment tools, it struggles to adopt eco-friendly practices.

LIFE GreenShoes4All tackled this by actioning a Product Environmental Footprint tracking method. Setting targets on raw materials, plastic waste, and emissions, the project promoted eco-design and the development of greener products. 

The project team developed innovative recycled materials and components, according to relevant industry standards. The wastes generated by the footwear industry with potential for recycling were used (i.e. EVA/ethyl vinyl acetate, TPU/thermoplastic polyurethane, TR/thermoplastic rubber, and SBR/vulcanised rubber) to produce soles, EVA plates, and shoes. Wastes from other sectors, like powdered rubber from the production of tyres, or cork, sugar cane and coconut processing waste, were also used. The optimised formulations, which incorporated between 60-100% of discarded material, enabled the production of high-quality materials with good physical-mechanical properties for use in footwear products.The project surpassed revenue expectations, certifying and promoting eco-designed shoes. It achieved substantial reductions in CO2 emissions through the manufacture and sales of sustainable footwear. And on top of that, it pioneered recycled materials for environmentally friendly shoe production, driving lasting change in the sector.

Furthermore, the project beneficiaries produced PEF & Ecodesign recommendations and guides for the footwear sector to support the development of products, outsoles and footwear with a lower PEF. These will help footwear companies to incorporate the environmental factor in their production processes, while responding to consumers’ responsible consumption and environmental demands.