You’ve probably noticed how large the fashion industry is, with new clothing lines and sneaker drops constantly being released. But have you ever thought about the pollution caused in producing these products? The numbers are staggering. From excessive water use to CO2 emissions, fast fashion brands and sneaker companies play a fundamental role. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Eco-friendly materials and more sustainable production processes can help reduce pollution. Companies are starting to make changes, but there’s still a long way to go. The good news, though, is that you can make a difference with your purchases! Opting for sustainable alternatives can shift market demand toward more eco-conscious products.
The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry
The fashion sector is responsible for 10% of total CO2 emissions, and textile dyes and treatments account for 20% of global industrial water pollution.
Nearly 25 billion pairs of shoes are produced worldwide each year, around 20 billion of which are sneakers, according to data from World Footwear. Unfortunately, 95% of these shoes end up in landfills within a year, with only 5% being recycled, highlighting a serious environmental issue that requires immediate action.
In the footwear industry, the problem is linked to the product lifecycle. We feel the need to do our part and contribute to the future of our planet and for new generations.
Moving Toward More Sustainable Choices
If we want to save our planet, the fashion industry needs an eco-friendly overhaul. As consumers, we have the power to drive this change by choosing sustainable brands.
Eco-friendly Fabrics
Opt for natural and organic fabrics like cotton, hemp, and bamboo that require fewer chemicals and less water. Synthetic fibers like recycled polyester and nylon are considered sustainable alternatives because they come from recycled plastic, but in reality, they only reduce emissions in the production and dyeing stages. However, complex and polluting systems are needed to dispose of these fabrics.
Sustainable Materials and Production Methods
Product sustainability also means using renewable energy, minimizing water usage, and reducing waste production. Some businesses have chosen to adopt a circular economy, where bioproducts are reused in the production cycle. This type of economy helps preserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
Sneark’s Mission: Creating Sustainable Sneakers Made in Italy
Sneark was founded with one mission: to produce fashionable, high-quality sneakers in an ethical and sustainable way.
To tackle this challenge, Sneark S.r.l. was established in Sicily in 2023 with the aim of introducing an innovative production line for making sneakers exclusively with natural, biodegradable, and eco-sustainable materials. Before launching, we conducted in-depth research and development, collaborating with the renowned Tuscan footwear district, famous for its Made in Italy excellence, to ensure a product of high aesthetic and functional quality.
Sustainability is Sneark’s fundamental pillar, but sneakers are meant to be worn, so they must also be comfortable, high-performing, and technologically advanced—100% Made in Italy.
Our offer includes recyclable or reusable cardboard packaging, allowing customers to return worn shoes in their original packaging to receive a credit toward the purchase of a new pair of Sneark sneakers.
