Key trends shaping the footwear manufacturing industry in 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic, together with top critical global issues relating to sustainable development goals, the economic crisis and climate change, etc., have brought to the table one of the toughest questions to brands and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in the footwear industry: “What can be the next trends to foresee, to capture and to conceptualize development strategies in this industry?”. In order to address this, Mr. Yoosu Lee, Global Technical Customer Service Manager for Sports & Fashion at Henkel, shared his view about the key trends shaping the footwear manufacturing industry in 2021.

1. Digitalization

Starting with the concept of Industry 4.0, companies in the footwear industry, like many other sectors, are in the midst of transformation. Digitalization seems to be the new buzzword for the time being, and also the challenges for all footwear manufacturers. The question as to how the production line can be made faster, more flexible, more economic, more efficient and of a higher quality with a digitally integrated end-to-end value chain is always given top priority in the strategic growth plan of companies in this industry.

By digitally integrated end-to-end value chain, we mean that the whole process, from demand capturing through to manufacturing, delivery, inventory level, cash flow or even sales pushing via digital platforms can all be digitally and holistically managed in real time with the support of the latest electronic connectivity technologies such as the IoT (the Internet of Things) or Big Data, etc.

2. Innovation

As the reality of all the seabed can be seen when the tide goes out, the difference in competitiveness of each company is clearly seen through the crisis. Covid-19 together with other global crises have challenged all companies in the footwear manufacturing industry. Will they change for the sake of an opportunity?

In footwear production, it has been confirmed through LCA (life cycle analysis) that production efficiency increases by simplification through innovation and reducing manufacturing processes, and this has a direct impact on sustainability. However, how can one innovate for mass production while customized demand for shoe products increases? In order to figure this out, experts in the footwear industry are thinking about “Digital factories”, which will be automatically run by robots and differentiate products through 3D printing technology (additive manufacturing). These innovations are clearly linked to the acceleration of digitalization trends, as previously mentioned. 

3. Sustainability 

The general public and every leading company are talking about sustainability. How can we be more sustainable in living, in consuming, in producing or in strategic growth planning? Sustainability is not a strange or new concept anymore, and it always has been and always will be the top focus of any company aiming to grow.

When looking at the footwear industry, Henkel has recently run a study about the amount of carbon footprint emissions contributing to the production process of a completed shoe. The result is surprising when we found that key CO2 contributors to full shoes are material (40~50%), manufacturing process (40~50%) and others (<10%). Knowing the root cause, we know that innovation is essential in order to increase CO2 reduction through process simplification and reducing emissions, either by having fewer CO2 intensive raw materials or having formulations that enable CO2 emission savings in the production or in the use phase of a product.

Lastly, there are various trends and changes driving the footwear manufacturing industry. However, when we are in doubt, we may revisit our core values to take further and greater steps. In this case, we believe that digitalization, innovation and sustainability are key trends shaping the footwear manufacturing industry in 2021.

Written by Yoosu Lee

Yoosu Lee is the Global Technical Customer Service Manager for Sports & Fashion at Henkel. He has more than 20 years of working experience in adhesive technologies for the footwear manufacturing industry in various countries, including Korea, China and Vietnam. He is the project manager of top innovation projects at Henkel such as 2D PUR, 3D PUR and 1-component water-based adhesives.

Henkel is the leading company in adhesive solutions for the sports and fashion industry. When working with Henkel, you can leverage our global network, technical expertise and innovation capabilities to solve challenges in the industry. With the largest range of adhesives and specific process knowledge, we are able to support your manufacturing process no matter your challenge. Learn more about our adhesive solutions for the sports and fashion manufacturing industry HERE.