Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has for a long time been considered one of the most damaging plastics to human health and the environment.‍‍‍ But there are signs that the ethical shoes and trainers market is increasing, and with that so too is awareness growing about and ethical and sustainability issues that concern the footwear industry. Over the last decade or so, numerous reports have continued to emerge suggesting PVC is being phased out by such major brands as Adidas, Asics, Nike, Puma and New Balance.

In recent time we have seen brands like Nike (and others) announce efforts to develop or use more sustainable materials to reduce both carbon footprint and waste. Additionally, such brands as Adidas, Nike and Timberland have been active in pledging to achieve things like sustainable cotton. But there is also a valuable ethical point of emphasis here, and we can use Nike as an example. While the brand has been very progressive on a number of fronts, from aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations to replacing sulphur hexafluoride (a greenhouse gas nearly 35,000 times more potent than an equivalent weight of carbon dioxide) in its ‘air’ trainers, the company also continues to face serious criticisms.

There are also other factors to consider. In general, sports shoes comprise dozens of mostly synthetic materials. Leather uppers are tanned via a multi-step process using strong chemicals. In countries with little environmental protection, tannery wastes can be discharged untreated into the water systems, making tap water undrinkable.

Over at Po-Zu, a top ethical footwear brand, a wonderful infographic was published on their blog. As you can see, it summarizes what is currently taking place in the footwear industry. In a time when sustainability and material has come into focus for many businesses and consumers, considering the numerous issues we currently face, it is staggering to think that approximately 38 million shoes will be sold in the UK in a single year. Of that 32 million, the estimated waste is 169, 000 tonnes. Recyclability, sustainability and material should matter in your purchasing decisions.