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Portuguese footwear joins new European alliance for the bioeconomy

Oct 27, 2026 Portugal

APICCAPS has joined the Bio-based Europe Alliance, an initiative promoted by the European Commission to accelerate the adoption of bio-based materials, products and technologies in the European economy

The Portuguese footwear industry, represented by the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS), has joined the Bio-based Europe Alliance.

This new initiative, promoted by the European Commission, aims to accelerate the adoption of bio-based materials, products and technologies within the European economy. Specifically, the Commission has set a target to mobilise companies that are committed to collectively procuring 10 billion euros worth of bio-based materials, products and applications by 2030.

The Portuguese association was formally accepted as an observer of the alliance during the Global Bioeconomy Summit in Dublin on the 21^st of October. According to APICCAPS’ President Luís Onofre, this participation “strengthens the position of the national footwear industry in the transition to a more sustainable economy”.

In its role as an observer, the association will be able to contribute to discussions on the initiative’s governance model, procurement guidelines and operational conditions. The aim is to ensure that the solutions developed address the industry’s specific requirements.

The new alliance is one of the initiatives under the European Bioeconomy Strategy, aiming to bring together producers of raw materials, material and technology suppliers, and purchasing companies. This will create conditions that accelerate the development of new markets and reduce dependence on fossil-based resources.

Portuguese Strategy

The Portuguese footwear industry is pursuing an ambitious modernisation programme, having invested over 100 million euros in sustainability, automation, robotics and innovation over the past three years. Initiatives such as BioShoes4All have brought companies and research organisations together to develop bio-based materials, recover industrial waste, and promote circular production. The aim is to establish Portugal as a global leader in sustainable footwear.

APICCAPS President Luís Onofre said that joining the Bio-based Europe Alliance would help to align Portugal’s investments with European industrial priorities.

“Sustainability is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become a vital part of a company’s ability to compete in the market. Portugal has made significant investments in recent years and now intends to actively contribute to the development of a new generation of materials, products, and production processes,” he emphasised.

The association also considers it essential that Europe is able to “turn research and innovation into concrete market opportunities”. The development of new bio-based materials must be accompanied by the creation of competitive supply chains and industrial demand, as well as conditions that enable companies to incorporate these solutions into their production processes.

Source and Image Credits: apiccaps.pt

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