PEF and Carbon Footprint in the Footwear Industry: Methods, Challenges and Potential

Sustainability plays a central role in modern product development. Companies are increasingly faced with the challenge of systematically taking environmental impacts into account right from the planning stage. A particular focus is on the so-called carbon footprint, i.e. the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain.

Many companies are already actively working to reduce their CO₂ emissions through the use of optimised materials and more efficient resource management. However, particularly when it comes to complex products such as shoes, there are numerous pitfalls that necessitate a holistic approach.

Carbon Footprint vs. PEF: A Holistic Environmental Assessment

In addition to the traditional carbon footprint, the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method is becoming increasingly important. Unlike a purely CO₂-based assessment, PEF takes into account a wide range of other environmental impacts, including:

• Resource consumption
• Water consumption
• Acidification potential
• Pollutant emissions

The key advantage is that it identifies when a supposedly climate-friendly alternative performs significantly worse in other environmental categories.

How environmental assessment works in practice

Regardless of the method used, life cycle assessment generally follows a clear process:

1. Data collection: Detailed analysis of products, materials and manufacturing processes
2. Data reconciliation: Use of databases containing reference values for emissions and resource consumption
3. Modelling: Representation of the product as a complete system (“recipe”)
4. Analysis: Identification of relevant influencing factors and critical process steps

It is important to note that individual results are only of limited value. Only by comparing them with alternative materials or production methods can well-informed decisions be made and genuine opportunities for optimisation identified.

Why shoes are particularly complex

Shoes are among the most complex consumer goods there are. There is hardly any other product that combines so many different materials:

• Leather
• Plastics and synthetic textiles
• Foams and coatings
• Natural fibress
• Metal components
• Adhesives and reinforcements

This wide variety of materials makes environmental assessment particularly challenging. At the same time, functionality, comfort, durability and design must be maintained – key factors for market success.

Choice of materials: Assessing the environmental impact correctly

In purely environmental terms, plastic materials often perform better, as their production is comparatively resource-efficient. Natural materials such as leather, on the other hand, often have a greater environmental impact – at least when viewed in quantitative terms.

At the same time, the market continues to evolve: innovative materials made from biological waste or with biodegradable properties are opening up new possibilities for sustainable footwear production.

Where companies should start

Despite the complexity, clear starting points can be identified:

• Sole: A key influencing factor due to its weight and the materials used
• Outer fabric: Often a decisive factor in the overall balance and product performance
• Understanding materials: A key skill for designers and developers

It is important to note that not every sustainable alternative is automatically feasible. Particularly where high performance is required, leather remains difficult to replace in certain applications.

Sustainability starts with understanding

The most important step is to gain a thorough understanding of materials, processes and their implications. Only in this way can targeted improvements be achieved throughout the value chain.

At the same time, one key aspect must not be overlooked: durability and comfort. After all, the longer a shoe is used, the more its environmental impact during production is put into perspective.

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Conclusion:
Assessing the environmental impact of footwear is a complex process, but it offers enormous potential for sustainable innovation. Companies that adopt robust analyses and holistic assessment methods at an early stage gain not only environmental but also economic benefits.