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 aimed at promoting ecodesign in the footwear sector by fostering circularity, durability, reparability, recyclability and sustainability across the entire value chain. To achieve this, the project will develop and validate an advanced footwear-specific ecodesign methodology, supported by a digital platform integrating life cycle sustainability assessment, artificial intelligence and Digital Product Passport functionalities.

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

Kveloce’s (KVC) role in ECOSTEP focuses on data management, the analysis of consumer behaviour and social factors linked to sustainable footwear, as well as the development of training materials and capacity-building activities to support the adoption of ecodesign in the sector. Although Kveloce does not lead any work package, it leads key tasks related to data management, the study of consumer attitudes, barriers and motivations, training on testing and verification methods, and the first phase of the ecodesign capacity-building programme. In addition, Kveloce participates, together with ALAC, in the development of the EcoDesign Engagement Toolkit, a digital tool designed to support more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.