All CSR & Sustainability articles
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ArticleEU considers gradual access to social media platforms for children
The European Commission is considering a “phased and gradual access” to social media platforms to protect children. “Childhood is a period of extraordinary and delicate brain development. During this stage, our children need time in the real world. Time to play, to build friendships face-to-face, to make mistakes. Time ...
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ArticleEuropean shoemakers call for stronger accountability in e-commerce
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) , together with 87 representatives of European Union trade associations, consumer organizations and environmental non-profit organizations, is calling for stronger product compliance rules and accountability in e-commerce. In a joint letter sent to the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, ...
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ArticleReport exposes challenges in footwear circularity
Half of all post-consumer footwear collected through take-back systems is unsuitable for reuse, underscoring the scale of the circularity challenge facing the footwear industry, according to a new report from Fashion for Good’s Closing the Footwear Loop project. Developed with Circle Economy, the Phase 1 report analyzes footwear waste streams ...
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ArticleEuropean shoemakers launch a comprehensive ecodesign framework
The European footwear industry has launched ECOSTEP (Ecodesign criteria for Sustainability in footwear and Testing methods for Evaluation of Performance) to create the first comprehensive ecodesign framework tailored to the sector. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and will run from June ...
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ArticleFrench bought 3.6 bln clothing and textile items in 2025 vs 3.5 bln in 2024
In 2025, French people bought 3.6 billion clothing and textile items, or 10 million a day, setting a new record, according to Refashion, an eco-organization responsible for the prevention and end-of-life management of clothing textiles, household linen and footwear through collection, repair and reuse. In 2024, the French purchased 3.5 ...
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News briefs
StockX to launch StockX Live this summer
StockX plans to launch StockX Live, a real-time live shopping experience for new and pre-owned items, during the summer. The service will be available for all US iOS customers across mobile and web platforms . ”StockX Live will enable buyers to participate in live auctions, giveaways, and direct seller-buyer engagement, ...
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News briefs
BOBS from Skechers surpasses $14m in donations to save cats and dogs
Skechers announced that its philanthropic brand BOBS from Skechers has surpassed $14 million in donations over a decade to thousands of animal welfare organizations in the US and internationally. The funds have found homes for more than 2 million shelter dogs and cats. “Saving every rescue pet and supporting every ...
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News briefs
Why 23.8 billion pairs of shoes are almost impossible to recycle
A 1,200-shoe material analysis by Circle Economy and Fashion for Good reveals that design complexity, not lack of technology, is keeping footwear recycling below 1 percent globally, and maps what structural change looks like. The footwear industry has no credible end-of-life system. Less than 1 percent of discarded shoes are ...
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ArticleGerman shoe industry sounds alarm over implementation of EU Extended Producer Responsibility rules
The German shoe industry has warned that the introduction of a planned Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for consumer textiles and footwear threatens to place a heavy burden on medium-sized companies already struggling with rising energy prices, supply chain issues and increasing competitive pressure from abroad, as well as on ...
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News briefs
Ecco launches its secondhand program in Germany
As consumer interest in secondhand fashion and the circular economy grows, Ecco is responding with the launch in Germany of its resale program, “Ecco PreLoved.” The initiative aims to extend the lifespan of shoes and bags by refurbishing and reselling them through a proprietary online platform. Customers can ...
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News briefs
OrthoLite’s Indian testing lab obtains Gold accreditation from SATRA
OrthoLite’s in-house testing laboratory at the OrthoLite India factory, in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, has achieved Gold Laboratory Accreditation from the SATRA Technology Centre. “It is the first and only facility in India to receive this high-level distinction,” said the US supplier of open-cell foam technology for footwear. SATRA is ...
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Article
Coats reaches several sustainability targets ahead of schedule
Coats has reported accelerated progress on several environmental and social targets in its 2025 Sustainability Report, with multiple goals originally set for 2026 already achieved or exceeded. The UK-based supplier of critical components for the apparel and footwear industry said it eliminated landfill waste across its operations a year ...
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News briefs
Soles4Souls buys Erren Recondition
Soles4Souls, a US nonprofit organization turning shoes and clothing into opportunity, has acquired Erren Recondition, a European leader in footwear and apparel reconditioning. No financial details were released. Soles4Souls said that the acquisition significantly expands its ability to help brands and retailers extend product life, reduce waste and create economic ...
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ArticleBerlin university leads €4m EU project on sustainable footwear and home textiles
The Technische Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s largest universities of technology, is leading a new three-year European Union research project aimed at improving the sustainability of footwear and home textiles. The initiative, called STEPH (STrengthening Ecodesign pathways with performance assessment Parameters for Home textiles and footwear) is part of the ...
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Article
CEC introduces a new member category and launches a sustainability working group
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) introduced a new membership category, Associate Members, following the modification of its statutes and launched a sustainability working group with some European technology centers. “This new category aims to broaden participation within the footwear community by welcoming stakeholders beyond national footwear associations, thereby strengthening collaboration, ...
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News briefs
Cirql confirms the low carbon emission of its recycled TPU products
Cirql has published new life cycle assessments confirming lower carbon emissions for its recycled TPU products. The Vietnam-based provider of sustainable footwear materials announced the release of LCAs for its rTPU30 and rTPU50 materials, developed in collaboration with carbon-accounting specialist Carbonfact, with the findings intended to support brands facing tightening ...
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News briefs
Bureau Veritas buys Italy’s Spin360
Bureau Veritas, a French testing, inspection and certification services group, has acquired Spin360, an Italian consulting firm specialized in sustainable innovation and development for fashion and luxury brands. Spin360 designed VCS (Verified & Certified Steps), a software package allowing the self-assessment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performances launched in ...
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ArticleEmerging designer: Canella juggles tradition, design and luxury
Canella Brand Shoes is a Peruvian provider of handmade up-market shoes using natural materials. Founded in 2018, by Daniella Pedraglio, with an initial investment of $20,000, the company now produces around 1,500 pairs annually including sneakers, ballet flats, heels and boots. When it was launched, Canella had a stock of ...
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News briefs
Deichmann loses court battle over waste disposal fees
Deichmann has lost a legal dispute at the Gelsenkirchen Administrative Court over waste disposal costs, according to media reports. The Essen-based footwear retailer had sought exemption from Germany’s system participation obligation, or Systembeteiligungspflicht, which requires businesses to pay fees for the recycling and disposal of packaging intended for private consumers. ...
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News briefs
EU scales back corporate sustainability rules
EU lawmakers reached a political agreement on Dec 9 to significantly scale back corporate sustainability and due diligence obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The deal was concluded during a trilogue between the European Commission, Parliament and Council. According to ...
