The European Outdoor Group’s 'Alternative Footwear Materials for the Outdoor Industry' report explores how material innovation can reduce the environmental impact of outdoor footwear. It reviews the sustainability challenges associated with conventional materials such as leather and synthetic polymers and highlights emerging solutions including recycled inputs and bio-based alternatives. The report also examines recycling technologies, regulatory drivers, and next-generation materials that could support a more circular and lower-carbon future for the outdoor sector.

Key points

• The footwear industry produces over 23 billion pairs annually, generating significant environmental impacts.
• In Europe, outdoor footwear accounted for 22.4% of the outdoor market by volume (2022–2024).
• Around 1.2 million tonnes of footwear waste are generated annually in the EU, with only ~5% recycled.
• The report highlights recycled materials and next-generation bio-based innovations as potential pathways to a more circular footwear industry.

Download the report below.

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For more information contact: sophie.bulman@europeanoutoorgroup.com