FROM THE BFA
The future of footwear: The BFA Sustainability Summit 2025
Sustainability in the footwear industry is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity, and the BFA is leading the conversation. The BFA Sustainability Summit returns to Birmingham in April to address the most urgent challenges a nd opportunities
A
s brands are expected to navigate fast-evolving legislation, shifting consumer expectations, and the
pressing need for circularity, the British Footwear Association (BFA) is leading the conversation on sustainability across the industry. On 3 April 2025, the BFA Sustainability Summit returns to the Birmingham Hilton Metropole, bringing together global experts, innovators, and decision-makers to address the industry’s most urgent challenges and opportunities. Now in its third year, the Summit has
become an essential platform for brands seeking not just dialogue but practical, forward-thinking strategies to navigate the complexities of sustainability. The footwear industry stands at a juncture, where business success is increasingly linked to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. The 2025 Summit will spotlight the seismic shifts in sustainable footwear, from AI-driven advancements to material innovation and the changing compliance landscape.
Mounting pressure Against this backdrop of transformation, brands must rethink their approach, embracing sustainability as both a regulatory requirement and a strategic opportunity. The footwear industry faces mounting pressures from regulatory bodies and a growing demand for transparency, ethical sourcing, and carbon footprint reduction. New laws such as the European Union’s
Deforestation Regulation (EUDDR), the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), the Digital Product Passport (DPP), and the Green Claims Directive are transforming sustainability from a voluntary initiative into a legally binding imperative. Compliance is no longer simply about risk mitigation, it’s an opportunity to build trust, improve brand equity, and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly discerning market. At the same time, artificial intelligence
(AI) and digital tools are revolutionising sustainability practices. Brands are leveraging AI for predictive analytics, optimising inventory management to minimise waste, and ensuring greater traceability in supply chains.
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH 2025
Blockchain solutions are further strengthening accountability, providing verifiable proof of ethical sourcing and production methods. Meanwhile, material innovation continues to push the boundaries of possibility, with bio-based, recycled, and next-gen textiles expanding the range of responsible material choices available to footwear producers. The conversation around circularity is
also gaining momentum. Resale, repair, and recycling initiatives are no longer niche concepts but integral components of future- proof business strategies. As consumer expectations evolve, brands must consider not just how products are made, but also how they live beyond their first lifecycle, ensuring sustainability is embedded into every phase of production and consumption. Understanding and implementing these shifts requires expert guidance, which is what the BFA Sustainability Summit 2025 aims to provide.
Actionable insights At the Summit, influential voices in sustainability and innovation will ensure attendees leave with actionable insights rather than just high-level discussions. Dr. Andrew Hudson, Managing Director at Eurofins BLC Leather & Technology Centre, will lead discussions on the shift from voluntary to mandatory legislation, equipping brands with the knowledge to navigate compliance with confidence.
Joanne Jørgensen, Founder of TeamGlue,
will explore the next generation of sustainable materials, with a focus on traceability, biomaterials, and circular business models that redefine footwear lifecycles. Meanwhile, Alberto Mattiello, Business Futurist and Partner at Retail Hub, will dissect how AI and digital tools are reshaping operations, from demand forecasting to real-time regulatory adaptation. His insights will provide brands with the technological roadmap they need to stay ahead of an increasingly complex sustainability landscape. Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a
business imperative. The BFA Sustainability Summit 2025 will offer brands the insights, innovations, and regulatory guidance needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability in footwear. By bringing together industry leaders and experts, the Summit provides a clear path forward, helping businesses turn ambition into action and build a more sustainable future.
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