The Portuguese footwear industry, represented by the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS), has joined the Bio-based Europe Alliance.
The initiative, promoted by the European Commission under the European Bioeconomy Strategy, aims to accelerate the adoption of bio-based materials, products and technologies in Europe. To support market development and reduce reliance on fossil-based resources, the Commission has set an ambition to mobilise companies committed to collectively procuring 10 billion euros in bio-based materials, products and applications by 2030.
APICCAPS was formally accepted as an observer of the alliance during the Global Bioeconomy Summit in Dublin on 21 October. In its role as observer, the association can participate in discussions on governance, procurement guidelines and operating conditions to ensure solutions meet footwear manufacturing needs. The alliance was officially launched in the Irish capital by European Commissioner Jessika Roswall, who oversees the environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy.
The move comes as Portugal’s footwear sector carries out an extensive investment programme. Over the past three years, the industry has directed more than 100 million euros into sustainability, automation, robotics and innovation. Initiatives such as the BioShoes4All project have brought together manufacturers and research bodies to advance circular production, recover industrial waste and develop bio-based materials.
Sustainability is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become a vital part of a company’s ability to compete in the market. Portugal has made significant investments in recent years and now intends to actively contribute to the development of a new generation of materials, products, and production processes,— emphasised Luís Onofre, President of APICCAPS.
For the Portuguese footwear industry, which exports around 90% of its production, the focus on sustainable materials is intended to strengthen product differentiation in higher-value market segments.
