Increased reuse of shoes

With over 30 million pairs of shoes sold annually in Sweden, there is a great need and potential for more sustainable solutions in the industry. The main objective of the project is to accelerate the footwear industry's transition to circular business models and strengthen its competitiveness in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

The project brings together a unique constellation of actors from the footwear industry, innovation promoters and researchers. Wargön Innovation contributes with its expertise in circular flows and access to an advanced test and demo facility. 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 future challenges and opportunities.

Objectives of the project:

To achieve this, the project will focus on several key objectives. A model for sorting and valuing used shoes will be designed, as well as a framework for quality assurance of reused shoes. In addition, business-oriented tests of circular solutions will be carried out, and design aspects of optimally circular shoes will be analyzed. The project also aims to evaluate different circular business models and their impacts on business, environment and society.

Expected outcomes include scientifically sound methods for large-scale reuse of shoes, a practical guide with recommendations for the industry, and increased knowledge of conditions and opportunities for circular shoe business. The project will also strengthen the preparedness for upcoming legislation on producer responsibility, further emphasizing the importance of sustainable business models in the footwear industry.