In the latest episode of the CTCP Podcast, developed within the scope of the BioShoes4All project, we welcomed Miguel Ribeiro, Financial Manager, and Inês Leite, Quality Engineer at Liago, for a conversation about the company’s commitment to sustainability and the innovations that are transforming the footwear market. With a clear vision and impactful projects, Liago has demonstrated how to combine tradition, quality, and environmental responsibility.
During the interview, Miguel and Inês explained how Liago’s participation in the BioShoes4All project has been an opportunity to reinvent its processes and products. The company has been committed to replacing fossil-based materials with more ecological alternatives, such as biological and recyclable materials, while also integrating eco-design methodologies. An example of this is the use of natural sheep wool, which is biodegradable, to line their winter shoes, as well as biodegradable leather in other models. Miguel emphasized that this approach is an evolution of a vision that has long guided the company and is now being intensified, with the goal of creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
Another key topic highlighted was the development of monomaterial footwear, an innovative solution aimed at facilitating recycling at the end of the product lifecycle. Inês shared the challenges they faced, such as redesigning models to reduce the diversity of materials used, starting with a women’s ballet flat. These shoes were designed with an upper made of a single material and without lining, making them easier to disassemble and less polluting when discarded. The company is now exploring how to adapt this concept to other models, including children’s sneakers, while acknowledging the limitations and challenges of appealing to consumers while maintaining their environmental commitment.
Liago has also made significant strides in quantifying its environmental footprint and in waste valorization, establishing agreements with suppliers, such as Bolflex, for the collection and reuse of production waste. This collective effort demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a value chain aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
With an integrated approach that includes material innovation, sustainable design, and collaboration with partners, Liago is positioning itself as an exemplary leader in the footwear sector. Tune in to this inspiring episode, which reveals how it is possible to develop high-quality products while keeping an eye on the planet’s future.
This podcast was developed within the scope of the BioShoes4All project – Innovation and training of the footwear sector for sustainable bioeconomy, project no. 11, investment supported by the PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan, under component 12 – Sustainable Bioeconomy, and by the European Funds NextGeneration EU. For more information, visit the website recuperarportugal.gov.pt.
This publication reflects only the opinions of the authors; the PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan and the European NextGeneration EU Fund cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.