Redesigning Footwear for a Circular Future
ECOSTEP is developing an advanced ecodesign framework for the footwear sector, combining footwear-specific testing methods, sustainability assessment, AI-powered digital tools and Digital Product Passport functionalities to support more circular products and future EU sustainability requirements.
The Challenge
A Growing Industry.
A Growing Responsibility
Footwear is a global industry built around complex products, often combining numerous materials, components and manufacturing processes. This complexity makes environmental and social performance difficult to measure, compare and improve.
At the same time, the European footwear sector is adapting to an evolving policy and regulatory landscape, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passport requirements and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
Yet the sector still needs footwear-specific ecodesign methodologies, validated testing approaches and accessible digital tools to turn these ambitions into practical design and production decisions.
About ECOSTEP
An Integrated Ecodesign Strategy for European Footwear
ECOSTEP (ECOdesign criteria for Sustainability in footwear and Testing methods for Evaluation of Performance) is a 48-month Horizon Europe research and innovation project working to advance ecodesign and sustainability in the European footwear sector.
The project brings together expertise in footwear, materials, testing, sustainability assessment, standardisation, digital technologies and consumer engagement to develop and validate practical solutions for more circular, durable and transparent footwear.
Across four years, ECOSTEP will develop five key results, including an ecodesign framework, footwear-specific testing approaches, circular design guidelines, an AI-powered digital platform, training resources and policy and standardisation contributions, as well as Digital Product Passport functionalities.
10
Partners
6
Countries
4M€
EU Funding
48
Months
5 results for more sustainable footwear
1. Ecodesign Framework
A stakeholder-informed framework defining key sustainability and circularity criteria for footwear, including durability, repairability, recyclability and other relevant environmental and performance parameters.
2. ECOSTEP Digital Platform
An AI-powered digital platform integrating Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), predictive modelling and Digital Product Passport functionalities to support ecodesign decisions and sustainability assessment throughout footwear development.
3. Circular Design Guidelines
Validated design approaches and practical recommendations for more durable, repairable, recyclable and circular footwear, together with guidance for exploring new circular business models.
4. Policy Recommendations
Evidence-based recommendations to support the evolution of EU sustainability policies, footwear ecodesign requirements and standardisation, helping translate ECOSTEP results into practical frameworks for the sector.
5. Training Programme
A practical capacity-building programme for SMEs and footwear professionals, combining ecodesign training, technical resources and interactive tools to support the adoption of more sustainable design and production practices.
