Q: “When will the footwear industry adopt an industry wide green standard similar to that being developed on the apparel side of things, and what will this look like?”
–Aysia Wright, Greenloop, Portland, Ore.

A: As the environmental impact of production becomes of increasing concern among consumers, the green issue is rising to the top of the priority list for many industries and business owners. We see it in advertisements for green consumer products and more environmentally friendly efforts by our banks and other service providers. From the car industry to the computer industry, businesses are beginning to realize that an eco-friendly approach is not only an investment in the planet, but is becoming increasingly important to buyers.

Matt Priest

The footwear industry is no exception. Even though the industry as a whole has yet to adopt a universally accepted “green standard,” many companies are not waiting to develop their own environmentally friendly procedures and lines. Nike, Keen, Børn and Patagonia have been at the forefront of implementing greener tactics in the production of their products. Payless ShoeSource is tackling the issue with its April launch of Zoe & Zac, which it is saying is the first-ever affordable green footwear brand. The line of footwear and accessory products is made from eco-friendly materials, packaged using eco-smart packaging and is available at a reasonable price. Additionally, numerous companies have banded together, in cooperation with FDRA, to implement an environmental compliance initiative. This important FDRA working group seeks to develop industry guidance on restricted substances, safety protocols, and recall procedures.

While no single set of standards and procedures that define green exists, there are a few ways in which more environmentally friendly shoe production can be achieved. The first way is through the use of sustainable materials. Most footwear is made from leather, plastics, or non-recyclable components. By using inputs such as hemp, organic cotton, and water-based adhesives, footwear companies are offering lines that are produced in a way that is less threatening to the environment. In addition, the use of recycled materials such as plastic and rubber also contribute to a more environmentally friendly product.

With China being the epicenter of footwear production, a concerted effort has been made by many companies to enhance their factories’ sustainability efforts through improved standards and controls. Erecting waste centers that grind parts for recycling, banning waste incineration and illegal dumping, and ensuring separation of waste within factories are just a few of the procedures these sustainability programs support. While many green products are traditionally more expensive than the alternative, the general consensus is that investing in these sustainability programs now will have a positive long-term effect, saving the industry and the American consumer money in the future.

As to when the industry will adopt a universal standard, the answer harks back to demand. If we continue to see increased consumer interest in leading a more sustainable lifestyle, I suspect efforts by our industry to meet that demand with an established green program will continue, if not accelerate. In the end, all signs point to a greener direction for the footwear industry.

Matt Priest is the president of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) in Washington, DC. FDRA represents the footwear industry’s leading retailers, wholesalers, brands, and buying agents, as well as key overseas footwear suppliers. Its services include lobbying and advocacy for industry causes, educational programs and trade publications. For more information, please visit www.fdra.org.

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