Portuguese Footwear Leaders Showcase Sustainability at UN Event

In a significant gathering at the United Nations headquarters on Thursday, representatives from Portugal's footwear and fashion sectors emphasized the nation's commitment to sustainability and innovation during New York Fashion Week. The event was part of the "Made to Matter: Portugal" initiative, featuring key figures like Luís Onofre of the Portuguese Footwear Association (APICCAPS) and César Araújo from the national clothing association (ANIVEC).

Portugal's Evolving Fashion Industry

During the discussions, Onofre highlighted the evolution of Portugal's fashion industry, noting that the country combines a rich tradition of craftsmanship with modern technological advancements. He expressed that now is a crucial time to demonstrate how their industry has progressed, focusing on quality and sustainable practices rather than just cost-effectiveness.

Sustainable Practices and Future Directions

Onofre emphasized that Portugal's manufacturing future hinges on innovation and responsible production methods. He stated, "We do not believe the future of manufacturing will be defined by price alone. It will be defined by quality, responsiveness, innovation…" This perspective positions Portugal as a strategic partner in the global fashion landscape.

The event also featured remarks from Annemarie Hou of the UN office for partnerships and Carlos Moura from AICEP, underscoring the importance of dialogue on sustainable development goals in fashion. With the Portuguese fashion industry comprising over 6,000 companies and exports exceeding 7 billion euros, the sector is poised for growth and sustainability, backed by significant investments from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Source: wwd.com