Innovative footwear recycling
Global footwear production has increased significantly to reach approximately 22.5 billion pairs, an increase of 8.6% over 2020. It is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, potentially reaching 25 billion pairs in 2025 and 27 billion by 2030. However, the current recycling rate is barely 5%, with the majority ending up in landfill or being incinerated once they have reached the end of their useful life. One possible way to address this problem is through donation to charities, so as to maximise reuse and extend product life through second-hand markets, but the rise of fast fashion characterised by low quality products and high manufacturing rates, has led to the export of large quantities of donated clothing to third world countries generating significant environmental, social and economic impacts.
