ECOSTEP – ECOdesign criteria for Sustainability in footwear and Testing methods for Evaluation of Performance

ECOSTEP (ECOdesign criteria for Sustainability in footwear and Testing methods for Evaluation of Performance) is a Horizon Europe project. It aims to advance ecodesign in the footwear sector. It promotes circularity, durability, repairability, recyclability and sustainability throughout the entire value chain.

To achieve this, the project will develop and validate an advanced ecodesign methodology specifically for footwear. This methodology will be supported by a digital platform integrating life cycle sustainability assessment. It will also incorporate artificial intelligence and Digital Product Passport functionalities.

The project is coordinated by CETEC, the Footwear and Plastics Technology Centre of the Region of Murcia. It brings together 10 partners from different European countries. The consortium includes technology centres, universities, standardisation bodies, industry associations, companies, consumer organisations and sustainability experts.

The role of Kveloce (KVC) in ECOSTEP focuses on key tasks such as data management. It also addresses consumer behaviour analysis and the social factors associated with sustainable footwear. In addition, Kveloce contributes to the development of training materials and capacity-building activities to facilitate the adoption of ecodesign.

Kveloce also works alongside ALAC on the development of the EcoDesign Engagement Toolkit. This digital tool is designed to support more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.