Improving the waste management system in an Italian footwear district applying MFA and LCA

The fashion industry presents a significant social role, employing millions of people, but it also contributes to resource depletion, ecosystem stress, and climate change. Consequently, sustainability within this sector has garnered increased attention. As part of the fashion sector, the footwear industry is also facing this challenge. With over 23.9 billion shoes produced annually, waste management in this sector presents significant environmental hurdles. In this case study, material flow analysis and life cycle assessment methodologies were adopted to identify and quantify waste flows, their dynamics, and the potential environmental impacts related to one of the main fashion footwear districts in Italy. The results identify opportunities for improving the recovery and recycling processes, especially concerning leather, a key component of shoes contributing to over 30 % of various environmental categories. It was also highlighted that the footwear industry's path to sustainability includes legislative progress, improvements in waste management, and collaboration among stakeholders.