NEWS
S
ustainability makes business sense in terms of the supply chain, and when both companies and customers are engaged throughout the value chain, it triggers a shared agenda centered around more conscious shoemaking.
Recent data shows that around 300 million pairs of shoes are discarded each year and it takes an average of 30-40 years for a pair to fully decompose in landfills.
Adoption of recycled materials in footwear increased by 70% year-on-year in 2019. With the emergence of startups, dedicated efforts by established brands, and the inroad of sustainability leaders into footwear, sustainable footwear is on the rise.
The time has come when footwear manufacturers make significant strides in terms of circularity and sustainability. These are holistic changes that include encouraging the uptake of recycled, renewable and bio-based materials while exploring innovative ways of manufacturing, design and packaging.
Sustainable Footwear Market – Growth Constraints
The majority of players in the sustainable footwear market find it difficult to invest in technology and talent to create fully sustainable footwear from scratch. As a result, some manufacturers are looking for more creative ways to join this movement. Due to factors such as complexity, size and lack of proper infrastructure for recycling or repair, the footwear industry has yet to realize the full potential of sustainability without alienating customers.
The raw materials needed to produce sustainable shoes are relatively expensive compared to those used to produce traditional shoes. However, technological advances related to more effective recycling of materials should curb the cost of raw material extraction in the years to come.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Footwear Market
he COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world and the footwear industry unprepared, and the ensuing societal and economic downturns pose unprecedented challenges.
While the pursuit of sustainability has been the norm in the footwear industry across sectors including sport, luxury, fast fashion and value retail, the pandemic is straining corporate and retail commitments to sustainability.
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
Sustainable Footwear Market Analysis with Booming Trends Supporting Growth and Forecast 2030
However, recent studies suggest that the ongoing public health crisis is at the same time forcing brands to accelerate their shift to sustainable initiatives to remain competitive in the footwear market, which is poised for a strong recovery following the COVID-19 chapter.
Sustainable Footwear Market – Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific (APAC) brands are leaders in choosing responsible footwear. Sustainability- focused initiatives such as Fashion For Good aim to trigger structural changes across the footwear and apparel supply chain by funding sustainable innovation in Bangladesh, India and Vietnam.
Similarly, sustainable footwear brands are emerging in Europe to meet demand and transform the footwear industry for the better. The growing number of fashion-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for the products they value continues to attract the attention of stakeholders.
In addition, the European Commission launched the 2020 European Social Innovation Contest with the aim of improving the environmental and social impact of fashion. To address these challenges, the competition seeks creative solutions that promote sustainable production, use and adoption of fashion, and the durability of fashion products.
Sustainable Footwear Market – Competitive Analysis
¡ While established sustainable footwear manufacturers are already embracing sustainability and have made it a pillar of their business from the start, emerging players are jumping into the sustainable footwear movement. ¡ Adidas develops and tests shoes made from 100% recyclable materials. In addition, the brand has publicly committed to using only eco-friendly materials in its products by 2024 ¡ Giesswein only uses merino wool for its shoes, which comes from small, independent farms where animal welfare is a top priority. It has also implemented a zero waste policy to ensure all wool leftovers from the manufacturing process are recycled and mixed with other products ¡ Reebok has announced a running sneaker that contains plant-based instead of petroleum-based materials ¡ Reformation uses bio-based materials instead of plastic in their heels and water-based adhesives instead of the toxic glues most manufacturers rely on for shoe assembly. Players in the sustainable footwear market include Adidas Group, Native Shoes, Tropicalfeel, Nike, Rothy’s, Veja, Reformation, Nisolo, New Balance, MATISSE FOOTWEAR, Amour Vert and Threads 4 Thought.
These insights are based on a report on Sustainable Footwear Market by Future Market Insights.
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