WASHINGTON – US trade association The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has developed an environmentally preferred materials (EPM) guide for shoe manufacturers.
Recognising that the sector is currently tasked with conforming with apparel sustainability expectations, the association has created the guide to “help end the decision and strategy paralysis some shoe companies have around sustainability”.
“As more and more brands adopt and use the guide, a real ROI will come as more sustainable material development costs reduce and we get better, more value-added materials in footwear for consumers,” said the footwear body’s senior vice president, Andy Polk.
