By José Manuel Martínez / Translated by Samai Páez
The Sustainability Origin, Certification, the only one in the world that recognizes ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability practices for companies in the footwear sector, celebrates having reached its 100th participating company. Of these, 80 have already been certified, while 20 are in the process of obtaining certification. This gives it outstanding representativeness, since it involves companies responsible for approximately 50% of footwear production in Brazil, which exceeds 870 million pairs.
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) highlights the growth of ESG strategies in companies of the sector. The strategy proposes a financially sustainable approach to business, empowering companies to act ethically and be aware of their environmental, social and stakeholder impact. According to Cristian Schlindwein, Marketing and Strategy Manager of the entity, Brazilian industries are maturing in the implementation of these practices, as evidenced by the data of the Sectorial Report of the Footwear Industry 2024.
The ESG chapter of the report reveals that 88% of companies in the sector manage their solid waste in an environmentally responsible way, adopting reuse, recycling or co-processing processes. The report also provides other important data to demonstrate the increase in sustainability in the sector, 68% of companies periodically verify the legal, environmental and social compliance of their suppliers, 74% monitor the use of restricted substances, 67% apply 100% renewable energy, obtained from both the Free Energy Market and self-generation, and 59% have at least one line of sustainable products.
Schlindwein stresses that this advance responds to the growing consumer awareness movement both in Brazil and in the world, which demands that brands make a commitment not only to environmental sustainability, but also to social sustainability. "Sustainability is a one-way street for an industry that wants to stay competitive in a scenario of intense and often predatory competition,"he says.
Regarding competition, Haroldo Ferreira, CEO of Abicalçados, points out the importance of Sustainable Origin certification as a key tool to differentiate itself in the global market. "Faced with the three largest Asian footwear producers, China, Vietnam and Indonesia, which have not ratified key conventions related to working hours and social rights, Brazil must stand out as the most sustainable footwear industry on the planet. It is crucial that international consumers know this,"Ferreira said.
About Sustainable Origin:
Founded by Abicalçados in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Leather, Footwear and Artifact Components Companies (Assintecal) to certify both footwear production companies and their suppliers of materials and supplies. Based on international standards of excellence, it evaluates companies in five key areas: economic, environmental, social, cultural and sustainability management. The certification categories are Diamond (more than 80% of indicators met,) Gold (more than 60%,) Silver (more than 40%) and Bronze (more than 20%.) Audits are carried out by independent bodies such as SENAI, SGS, ABNT, Intertek and Bureau Veritas. For more information, visit www.origemsustentavel.org.br.
