World Footwear’s third issue of 2024. The main focus is on the innovation available for shoe manufacturers to use to add efficiency and sustainability to their operations. Specifically, we have features this time on advances in adhesive technology that should make it easier to recycle footwear materials at the end of a shoe’s life. We also talk to Green Theme Technologies about its PFAS-free water-repellency platform; the Arizona-based company says the most enthusiastic enquiries it is receiving about the platform are from footwear brands. With no end in sight of the popularity of the retro sneaker styles of the 1960s and 1970s, we also take a close look at the material that brands love the most for these styles, suede. Lastly in the Materials Manufacturing Innovation section, we have a round-up from the recent Future Fabrics Expo in London. For the first time, the organisers decided that the 2024 event should have a dedicated footwear materials space. It proved to be a rich source of inspiration.
