Portugal - €600 million investment by 2030
The Portuguese footwear industry aims to invest €600 million by the end of the decade in four main areas: innovation, sustainability, qualification of companies and workers, and internationalisation. This announcement was made by Paulo Gonçalves, spokesperson for APICCAPS during a presentation to the Spanish press in Madrid.
The investment of €600 million by 2030 in the footwear industry is intended to optimise processes and add value to products. €140 million from the Recovery and Resilience Programme (RRP) will be invested by 2025 in automation and sustainability. The remaining investment will potentially come from public funds and the industry itself.
APICCAPS, the Portuguese footwear industry association, is actively investing in sustainable and innovative practices to improve energy efficiency, optimize processes and develop new products using biodegradable, natural or recycled materials. While leather remains the main raw material, the industry is also developing new technologies and techniques. APICCAPS is collaborating with around 150 companies and 100 partners, including 14 universities, to create a more sustainable future for the industry.
Despite being a small player in the global market, the Portuguese footwear industry is optimistic about its future. They believe that there is room for sustainable and innovative products. The industry saw a 22.2% increase in exports in 2021 but expects a 5% drop in 2023 due to the economic slowdown.
