Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Studio

Recycling is an art

Coordinated by APICCAPS and the Footwear Technology Centre of Portugal and supported by the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan), Bioshoes4all’s project ‘Innovation and empowerment of the footwear sector for a sustainable bio-economy’ places recycling as one of the main priorities in order to develop a sustainable economy for the footwear sector and reduce the environmental footprint.

While global plastics production has increased significantly in recent years, reaching around 430 million tonnes in 2024, only 9% of this production is recycled.

The consumption and production of plastics requires the use of large amounts of fossil fuels, which has a negative effect on the environment. To make matters worse, the decline in economic activity has led to a sharp fall in the global price of oil, making the production of plastics from virgin fossil materials significantly cheaper than the use of recycled plastics. According to the European Environment Agency, if the production and use of plastics continues to grow as predicted, the plastics industry will be responsible for consuming 20% of the world’s oil by 2050, a significant increase from the current 7%.

The ever-increasing amount of plastic, its impact on biodiversity and its contribution to climate change, as well as its integration into a circular economy, are all issues on the footwear and leather industry’s agenda.

RECYCLING FOR 100% CIRCULARITY
 Recyclable material is a material that is collected, reprocessed and used in the production of recycled materials. Plastic materials can be recycled several times through extrusion (reprocessing process) and injection (mechanixal forming), metal materials can be melted down and reprocessed to produce new materials, and fibres can be extruded to produce new yarns.

In the footwear cluster, for example, waste from the production of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic rubber (TR) soles can be collected, crushed and reformulated (adding additives if necessary to ensure the properties required for function) for injection into new footwear components. These materials can be recycled several times while maintaining their functional properties.

Post-consumer waste, materials or products discarded by consumers at their end-of-life, can be collected, sorted, and reprocessed to create new recycled materials for product manufacturing. Multiple methodologies are available for the recycling of these materials, such as the development of dedicated recycling processes for individual material types, the production of composite materials, or the recycling of thermoplastic materials, among others. Another, still in its infancy but with potential, is the recycling of post-consumer footwear which, after collection, sorting and separation of materials, can be ground, and the resulting material is used to develop new materials/components for footwear or other applications such as flooring or construction. The recycling process is facilitated in products with less material diversity and by using materials of the same type and similar composition.

The use of recycled materials in the production of footwear is one of the strategies with the greatest impact on reducing the environmental footprint of products, both by reducing the extraction and consumption of raw materials and by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills or incineration.

Bioshoes4All is researching and developing various approaches for the recycling and valorization of footwear waste (post-production and post-consumer). These include, among others, the recycling of thermoplastic and thermoset materials for shoe soles; the production of textile-based composite materials for footwear and leather goods; the development of composites for insoles and soles; and the development of non-woven materials and construction materials, incorporating footwear waste. The project is also studying the implementation of a collection model for post-consumer injected footwear, with a view to its reprocessing and production of new footwear products.
By the end of the year, a new generation of products will be completed.

RE-Flock: ‘Same feel. Same output. Less waste’.

At the FuoriSalone in Milan last April, the Brianza-based company presented the enormous potential of its innovative RE-Flock regenerated flock at the exhibition organised by Materially and dedicated to the research and development of innovative and sustainable materials. This is a circular solution that makes it possible to recover and reactivate spent flock, guaranteeing the same quality and performance as virgin flock. Flock is, in fact, like a battery: it discharges with use. But it can instead be regenerated and reused, reducing waste and consumption of raw materials. ‘Our process allows two variants: regenerated flock only, which retains its original colour, and regenerated re-dyed flock, obtained from mixed flock and re-coloured,’ says Beatrice Casati, young administrator of Casati Flock & Fibers .

Flock – the ‘fabric powder’, is an aggregate of billions of textile fibres just a few millimetres thick with multiple uses (it is that velvet that covers many coat hangers or spectacle cases or perfume packaging).

The installation at the Fuori Salone included a material panel where 10 circles of different materials – from wood, to glass, to felt, to plastic – were displayed, which in turn were covered with two types of flock, the virgin flock and RE-Flock, so as to exemplify and give people the opportunity to touch and feel how there is no visual and tactile difference between the two products, except in terms of saving energy, water and processing.

Beatrice Casati


KEEN and Hiking Patrol present the Hyperport H2 sandal

The Hyperport H2 sandal evolves the iconic Newport H2, making it lighter and more comfortable without sacrificing KEEN’s sustainability and DNA. The sandal/shoe hybrid combines freedom and protection, making it a versatile companion for exploring urban and outdoor environments. In 2024, the Hyperport H2 received an ISPO Award for innovation in sports product design, consolidating its place among KEEN’s offerings. With two colour variants of the Hyperport H2 sandal, this collection celebrates the diversity of marine life observable during low and high tide, a concept that also permeates the creative campaign.

As with all KEEN footwear, in line with the Hiking Patrol philosophy, the Hyperport H2 is Consciously Created, i.e. manufactured without permanent chemicals, including PFAS and antimicrobials. Other features include: original fit with ample forefoot space for greater toe freedom, elastic lacing with quick-closure for easy on and off, injected foam midsole for surprising lightness, cushioning insole with arch support and Aquagrip outsole for extra grip on wet surfaces. The durable, PFAS-free water repellent treatment protects against water like permanent chemicals without harming the planet and Eco Anti-Odor ensures natural, pesticide-free odour control.


Utility Diadora lights up the backstage of May Day

Utility Diadora, a leading brand of safety footwear and workwear, renews for the fourth consecutive year its partnership with May Day, Europe’s largest free live event, this year ready to return to the historic location of Piazza San Giovanni in Rome.

Once again this year, May Day is an opportunity for Utility Diadora to strengthen this key commitment: the brand will provide footwear and clothing to the staff working behind the scenes, enabling them to operate safely and ensure the perfect success of the event. From stage fitters to sound and lighting workers, from riggers to stagehands, everyone will be able to rely on the quality and reliability of Utility products to best cope with the demanding backstage and onstage tasks, which are characterized by rapid and continuous movements that require secure footing and prolonged comfort.

Each outfit is designed to optimize the performance of manual activities and meet the specific needs of the wearer. For men, in fact, in addition to the Shark Stable Impact footwear, May 1 will be the ideal time to preview test Vortex, the newest additions to Utility Diadora. These safety shoes encapsulate the brand’s sports DNA with the world of running inspiring the design and the world of tennis providing the technological innovation. In fact, they feature the Double Action system, patented by Diadora, is aimed at providing flexibility and high impact absorption thanks to the dual-density EVA midsole, which, with a softer heel and a more compact edge/footbed, optimizes the relationship between responsiveness and stability.

Gruppo Mastrotto, an encounter between industry and art through leather

Gruppo Mastrotto set out to highlight the importance of know-how and culture as fundamental levers to promote innovation and creativity, offering a modern and dynamic vision of the material. At the February 2025 edition of Lineapelle Milano, Gruppo Mastrotto continued its path of contamination between art and industry with the second chapter of a cultural project aimed at enhancing the link between leather, art and contemporary design. After the success of the inaugural collaboration with Paolo Gonzato and his work Out of Stock 2024, the project continued with artist Paola Pezzi and her exclusive creation Verde Acqua.

Gruppo Mastrotto’s cultural project was born with the aim of creating a visual dialogue between tradition, innovation and artistic experimentation, enhancing the expressive capacity of leather. An iconic material and symbol of the company’s heritage, leather becomes the protagonist of unique works that reflect passion for quality, sustainability and innovation.

The Verde Acqua work attempts to capture and block the motion of the waves. It is made of soft Nappa leather, available in Nimbus, Aquatic, Airy and White tones.

D3O® STROBEL BOARD perfect for protecting your feet from impacts with the ground

The unique patented and proprietary D3O® technologies offer a material dedicated to enhanced foot protection, a versatile and flexible material suitable for a range of applications in shock absorption and impact protection.

D3O® strobel panels offer a simple solution for adding extra protection and comfort to a wide range of footwear. The unique Decell material reduces the force transmitted to the body from impacts with the ground and provides a feeling of comfort throughout the entire footstrike.

The product has several features: it is excellent for insoles or heel inserts, as it offers maximum protection while providing a softer, lighter ride. Optimised for moderate to high impacts, it is designed for those products and markets that require a high durability index. It can be bonded  to a premium fabric and offers a low profile. Ideal for any application within shoes, from sports to industry to military.

Insite means insoles built for better foot health

Founded in 2015, INSITE’s first product offerings were a series of direct-to-consumer insoles tailored for the needs of professional and collegiate athletes. Since then, INSITE has used that data and expertise to build insoles for over a dozen major footwear brands and retailers, helping to bring the elite benefits of custom orthotics to the footwear worn by everyday consumers.

INSITE technologies include Contoura®, a patented podiatrist-designed insole shape based on 120,000 3D foot scans; ArchRelief™, a targeted arch comfort shape for lightweight footwear applications; and EcoComfort®, a range of poured and open cell polyurethane (PU) foams that use up to 70% plant-based compounds to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

In 2023, INSITE produced over 38 million pairs of insoles for a variety of footwear brands worldwide. Brand clients have included 5.11, adidas, Allbirds, Arc’teryx, Carhartt, Move, REI, Timberland PRO, Under Armour, and more.


Thirty years of innovation and quality for Goldenplast

Goldenplast, founded by Germano Ercoli, Gianni Perozzi and Massimo Vallesi, is today a well-established reality in the thermoplastic compound sector. The company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, stands out for its ability to constantly innovate while maintaining high quality and environmental standards. Thanks to continuous investments in state-of-the-art automated plants, Goldenplast minimises the margin of human error, ensuring reliability and superior performance of its products.

Let’s see in these thirty years what services it has developed to best serve the industry. The close collaboration between the colour laboratory and the R&D department enables it to produce customised materials for prestigious fashion brands, with a wide range of colours. All materials produced are entirely recyclable, made from certified raw materials and in full compliance with the principles of environmental sustainability. The recovery of waste, transformed through the innovative ECO2POUND process, ensures maximum production circularity and waste reduction.

Goldenplast’s commitment to environmental protection and social responsibility is witnessed by the international certifications obtained: Global Recycled Standard (GRS), ISO 14001:2015 and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).


Good edition for Futurmoda and technology took center stage

The 53rd edition of FUTURMODA has closed its doors with very positive results, once again consolidating its status as the benchmark event for the footwear and leather goods industry. Over two days, 5,003 visitors walked the halls of IFA-Fira Alacant, where more than 300 exhibiting companies presented the latest innovations in the sector.

Attendance exceeded expectations, with a notable influx of both national and international visitors. In addition to strong interest from Spanish companies, FUTURMODA attracted professionals from strategic markets such as Italy, France, Portugal, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, India, and China, reinforcing its global nature and its role as a business platform for the industry.

One of the key highlights of this edition was the machinery and technology sector applied to footwear, which occupied 15% of the exhibition space. Participating companies showcased innovations in automation, 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, sole injection, and process digitalization—reflecting the sector’s technological transformation.

The Expert Forum remained a cornerstone of FUTURMODA, with talks addressing key issues for the future of the sector, while the Green Planet area emphasized the importance of sustainability in the footwear and leather goods industry. A good success even for the first edition of FUTURMODA Lab Talent competition, which gave young designers the opportunity to demonstrate their talent and creativity in a professional setting.

Futurmoda 54th edition will take place the 15 and 16 of October 2025.


Lineapelle at the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

On 13 April, Expo 2025 Osaka opened its six-month cycle of exhibitions, events and presentations at the wooden Grand Ring set up on the artificial island of Yumeshima (Osaka Bay). A strategic opportunity to support the internationalisation of Made in Italy, on 13 and 14 May Expo 2025 Osaka will host two days of talks and workshops organised by LINEAPELLE in the Italian Pavilion.

For the Italian leather and fashion supply chain, the Japanese market has always been a very important destination for its attention to the creative and manufacturing quality of accessories and components, and to the naturalness of materials. Proof of this is the fact that LINEAPELLE has always hosted a significant number of exhibitors and visitors from the Rising Sun. Therefore, LINEAPELLE could not miss the list of protagonists of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, where it will present two days of storytelling whose common denominator is the value of time. The time needed to produce the finest leather in the world is matched by the innovative craftsmanship of accessories, components and small parts for the fashion and luxury industry, further examples of how Italian manufacturing excellence is unrivalled in emphasising one of its best virtues: durability.

“Forever Young: Italian leather and the value of time’ proposes a diversified activity to spread the horizons of Italian craftsmanship culture linked to leather and fashion.