Hidden Environmental Villain: 30 Million Pairs of New Shoes

We buy a lot of shoes – a total of more than 30 million pairs per year. But only a small part of them is reused. Now the industry is taking action to change that.

» Published:

Hidden Environmental Villain: 30 Million Pairs of New Shoes
Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT

Share this article

The production of shoes has a significant climate impact. They also contain many different parts, often nearly 30 different materials, which makes them difficult to recycle. Today, the vast majority of our discarded shoes end up in household waste.

In a new project, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, together with Wargön Innovation and companies in the shoe industry, will investigate what can be done to increase the reuse of shoes in Sweden.

The main goal is the environmental aspect and to utilize a resource that would otherwise be lost, says Stefan Rydin, project leader at Swedish Shoe Environmental Initiative (SSEI).

Technically possible

One goal of the project is to see which methods are technically and economically possible for the industry.

It's a mapping of reconditioned or reused shoes. What can we do? How does it work?, explains Susanne Eriksson, project leader at Wargön Innovation.

The project is examining all possible types of everyday shoes.

We've mostly looked at leather, but I think there's potential for all types of shoes. Not all of them get worn out, or maybe just one part gets worn out, says Stefan Rydin.

Then we'd like to see if it's possible to recycle parts of shoes, for example, zippers to use on other shoes.

Stefan Rydin and Susanne Eriksson don't rule out that we might also see unique remake shoes, made from parts of different shoes.

Making it attractive

The project is also looking at how to make it more attractive to buy a pair of shoes that aren't entirely new, says Susanne Eriksson.

How do you make it feel fresh to buy a pair of reconditioned shoes? What can be sold? Is there something specific that makes it not work?

Stefan Rydin emphasizes that the stores that have already started taking in shoes that can be repaired, refurbished, and resold have found that very many are in good condition, sometimes barely used.

Even though the shoe industry has lagged behind the clothing industry in circular work, Stefan Rydin stresses that interest is high. The fact that both companies and researchers are now working together is a strength, he thinks.

This collaboration is very valuable and allows the shoe industry to be involved and influence. The industry has a lot of knowledge and has come up with good ideas.

Boel Holm/TT

Facts: Shoes and climate impact

TT

There are many environmental problems associated with shoes. Leather shoes have the greatest climate impact, on the other hand, a pair of high-quality leather shoes lasts longer and is easier to repair than fabric shoes and sneakers.

The biggest problem with leather shoes is the substances used in production. To make the leather soft, it needs to be tanned. Most shoes are chrome-tanned, and if done incorrectly, the chrome is converted into a form that is harmful to both humans and the environment. The biggest problems are with leather goods manufactured outside the EU, where there are no similar regulations.

Artificial leather usually consists of synthetic fabrics coated with polyurethane and can also contain environmentally and health-hazardous substances.

The production of fabric shoes, sneakers, and rubber boots also involves various environmental problems. Glue used to assemble the shoes can contain hazardous solvents, they can be colored with carcinogenic dyes, and the soles can contain phthalates.

Source: Naturskyddsföreningen, Kemikalieinspektionen

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Gunnar Strömmer Recovers Forgotten Tablet on Plane

Gunnar Strömmer Recovers Forgotten Tablet on Plane

Strong Wind Warning for Southern Sweden on Tuesday

Strong Wind Warning for Southern Sweden on Tuesday

Miljödata IT Attack Leaks Data of Over 1.5 Million People

Miljödata IT Attack Leaks Data of Over 1.5 Million People

Cyberattack on Miljödata: Stolen Data Published on Darknet

Cyberattack on Miljödata: Stolen Data Published on Darknet

Government Launches Investigation into Background Check Regulations

Government Launches Investigation into Background Check Regulations

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan with Reduced Service

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan with Reduced Service

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Government Considers Law Changes After Demonstration Incidents

Government Considers Law Changes After Demonstration Incidents

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Region Skåne Reviews Avarn Security Agreement After Invoice Scandal

Region Skåne Reviews Avarn Security Agreement After Invoice Scandal

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Gang Leader Arrested After Two-Mile Escape from Borås Detention Center

Gang Leader Arrested After Two-Mile Escape from Borås Detention Center

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö