Brazilian Footwear Industry Emerges as a Global Leader in Sustainability

Brazil's footwear industry is not only the largest in the Western world, producing 847 million pairs of shoes in 2025, but is also gaining recognition for its strong commitment to sustainability.

According to the Footwear Industry Report – Brazil 2026, compiled by Abicalçados, the industry has made significant progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Cristian Schlindwein, Marketing and Strategy Manager at Abicalçados, said Brazil has one of the most sustainable footwear industries in the world. He noted that Brazil performs better than many major footwear producing countries, especially in Asia, on key sustainability indicators.

One of Brazil's biggest strengths is its commitment to workers' rights. The country has ratified 98 conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which set international labour standards. In comparison, the three largest footwear exporting countries China, Vietnam, and Indonesia have ratified an average of 25 ILO conventions.

Brazil also has a strong environmental advantage. The country emits 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ per person each year, which is less than half the global average. China records 9.3 tonnes per person, while Vietnam emits 4.3 tonnes per person.

Another key advantage is clean energy. Around 77% of Brazil's electricity comes from renewable sources, compared with 28% in China, according to World Bank data.

These achievements strengthen Brazil's position as a leading producer of footwear with a growing focus on responsible and sustainable manufacturing.