Portugal footwear industry, renowned for its craftsmanship and quality, is taking a bold stride towards the future with a staggering €600 million investment by the end of the decade. This strategic move isn’t just about churning out more shoes; it’s about propelling Portugal onto the global stage as a leader in sustainable and innovative footwear.
“We’re not focused on quantity,” asserts Paulo Gonçalves, spokesperson for the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS). “With 80 million pairs already rolling off our production lines annually, our sights are set on optimizing processes and becoming an international benchmark for cutting-edge products.”
This ambitious plan is already in motion. Two major projects, BioShoes4All and FAIST, are spearheading the charge in automation, digitalization, and sustainability, paving the way for completion by 2024/2025.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the initiative. An impressive 150 companies have joined forces with APICCAPS to undergo audits aimed at minimizing energy consumption, optimizing material usage, and embracing eco-design principles. “These audits are crucial for effective change and pave the way for a new generation of eco-conscious footwear,” explains Gonçalves.
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And what exactly will this “new generation” look like? Think fruit peel biomaterials, natural cork and wood accents, and innovative uses of recycled materials, all carefully woven together with a renewed focus on leather’s inherent sustainability. Leather, Gonçalves emphasizes, is “a durable byproduct of the food industry, contributing to the planet’s well-being by minimizing waste.”
But Portugal’s ambitions extend beyond eco-friendly materials. They’re tackling energy efficiency, water conservation, and even the very design of their shoes, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle.
This proactive approach is driven by a clear vision: “24 million pairs of shoes are produced daily, 90% in Asia,” says Gonçalves. “We believe there’s space for a small player like Portugal, offering a sustainable alternative in a market dominated by mass production.”
With 1,500 companies strong and 40,000 jobs supported, the Portugal footwear industry is a significant economic force. But more importantly, it’s a community united in its commitment to excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility. As Gonçalves concludes, “This investment is a testament to our confidence. We know Portugal can be a global leader in sustainable footwear, shaping the industry for the future.”
