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Daily Newsletter

10 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

10 August 2023

Vibram achieves Bluesign System status

Rubber soles maker, Vibram, has achieved Bluesign system partner status, the two organisations have confirmed.

Hannah Abdulla August 04 2023

Swiss material verification solutions firm Bluesign and Vibram explain the new status itmarks a significant milestone in their joint commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the footwear industry.

"The relationship between supply chain partners is often perceived as customer-supplier, involving hidden secrets. However, Bluesign, as a neutral party, facilitates easier communication of ingredients and knowledge," says Igor Brassini, group compliance manager of Vibram.

“Today, we are proud to announce our official partnership with Bluesign as the first shoe sole manufacturer and the first footwear brand to be represented.”

Vibram, which describes itself as a pioneer in shoe sole production, is committed to the manufacture of long-lasting, high-quality products. By using recycled materials and significantly reducing production waste, Vibram says it sets the standard for responsible, innovative footwear production.

Over the last two years, the two companies have synergised their distinct strengths, resulting in shared know-how, connecting the footwear industry with the rigorous Bluesign Chemical Standard.

"By offering expertise in chemical management, our mission is to reduce environmental impact and provide critical knowledge for making essential changes," says Bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht.

Last month Nike and Vibram announced they were partnering on an advanced trail racing footwear innovation

Value apparel has gained appeal amid high inflation

Per latest GlobalData estimates, the global value apparel market was valued at $228.8bn in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and outperforming the other apparel price positions. This was partly due to consumers trading down to more affordable brands as they faced inflationary pressures, but also due to the rapid rise of fast fashion player Shein, which has leapt into the market leading position. Between 2022 and 2027, the global value apparel market is forecast to achieve a CAGR of 3.2%. Gen Z is a key target audience for value apparel players, due to their usually limited disposable incomes and high purchasing frequencies as a result of wanting to follow rapidly changing trends meaning they often prefer cheaper brands. As fashion is of high importance to this demographic, they are also less likely to cut back on spending on clothing and footwear amid inflationary pressures. However, value players are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprints amid changing consumer perceptions and evolving regulations regarding sustainable business practices. Supply chain disruptions and higher production costs continued to impact value brands in 2022 due in part to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and lasting COVID-19 restrictions in China, which is highly detrimental to value players due to their already thin profit margins and their low price business models.

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