Time to step up the pace of shoe reuse
Every year, over 30 million pairs of shoes are sold in Sweden, but only a fraction are reused. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, together with Wargön Innovation and a number of leading partners in the shoe industry, is now launching a project to increase the reuse of shoes in Sweden. The project will strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability profile of the shoe industry by developing effective methods for the collection, quality assurance and reconditioning of used shoes.
Despite growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives and upcoming EU legislation that could lead to producer responsibility for shoes, only a small proportion of all shoes are reused.
"There is a great need to increase knowledge about the conditions, obstacles and opportunities for increased reuse of shoes. Our project aims to fill a significant knowledge gap and help the industry continue to develop its models for collection and repair to meet future challenges, says Susanne Eriksson project manager at Wargön Innovation.
The project will develop and test a comprehensive framework for the collection, quality assurance and reconditioning of used shoes. In addition, circular business models will be developed and environmental impact assessments will be carried out to ensure the sustainability of the proposed solutions.
"By demonstrating technically and economically sustainable circular systems for the footwear industry, the project aims to meet growing consumer demands for sustainability and prepare the industry for upcoming legislation," explains Frida Hermansson, researcher at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
Retailers' key role in the circular transition
Footwear industry stakeholders play a crucial role in the project. Several of the participating actors have already started their own initiatives to increase the sustainability of their businesses, from collection programs to repair services. By participating in the project, these actors will have the opportunity to further develop and scale up their existing models, while contributing valuable experience.
"Involving stakeholders from the footwear industry in the project is crucial to create feasible solutions. The participants from the shoe industry have a unique knowledge of several important parts of the project such as practical aspects related to collection and reuse of shoes, environmentally friendly design of shoes and customers' wishes, says Stefan Rydin, project manager at the Swedish Shoe Environmental Initiative,
He adds that an important aspect of the research project is to combine knowledge and experience from research and commercial environments.
- The project has great potential to help the industry's transition to circular business models, and to provide the participating companies with valuable knowledge that can help to further develop their sustainability work," says Stefan Rydin.
Broad collaboration for maximum impact
The project team consists of a unique composition of actors from the footwear industry such as Nilson Group, Scorett, Shepherd of Sweden, ANWR and Bonving shoes, together with innovation promoters and researchers. Wargön Innovation contributes with its experience in circular flows and a specialized test and demo facility, while IVL ensures a scientifically grounded approach.
The results of the project will be disseminated through both scientific publications and a practical guide with recommendations for the industry.
For more information, please contact:
- Frida Hermansson, frida.hermansson@ivl.se
- Tomas Rydberg, tomas.rydberg@ivl.se
- Susanne Eriksson, susanne.eriksson@wargoninnovation.se
- Stefan Rydin, stefan.rydin@nordeconsult.com