Dear Reader,

The shoemaking and leather sector plays a vital role in Europe’s cultural heritage and local economies, especially through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and traditional artisans. However, this sector is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as:

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  Rising temperatures and heatwaves, affecting working conditions in workshops.
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  Water scarcity, raising costs for water-intensive processes like tanning and dyeing.
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  Stricter EU climate policies and green taxation, pushing SMEs to adapt quickly.
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  Shifting consumer demand, with younger generations preferring sustainable and eco-friendly products.

• Increased energy prices, directly affecting small manufacturers’ competitiveness.

Our project aims to respond to these challenges by creating practical tools, trainings, and digital materials that help SMEs and workers adopt sustainable practices while staying competitive.

This project will:

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  Help SMEs reduce environmental impact and align with EU environmental regulations.
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  Strengthen their resilience to climate-related risks (energy, water, raw materials).
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  Enhance competitiveness by promoting sustainable, eco-friendly production.
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  Encourage green skills development in the workforce, supporting employability.
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  Build awareness in local communities, ensuring that artisans and apprentices understand their role in climate adaptation.

In the long term, the project will contribute to a greener, more sustainable value chain in the shoe and leather industry, supporting both environmental protection and economic viability for small businesses.

We would like to keep you informed of some developments regarding our project. Some progress was made between May and August 2025, the period covered by our newsletter.

• The phases related to the preparation of the report on the impact of the twin transformation on SMEs (specifically the shoemaking sector) and best practices, included in the second work package, have been completed. Firstly, national reports were prepared for the four partner countries. The Ministry of Trade, which coordinated the work package, then prepared an international report. The joint report will be shared with the public via the website in 5 languages.

• From June 10-13, 2025, we held a training of trainers in Ankara on the quantification and reporting standards for ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse Gas, 14067 Carbon Footprint, and 14046 Water Footprint with the participation of trainers from all our partners. Fourteen trainers from eight partner organizations participated in the training of trainers. Following this training, which was held as part of the third work package under the coordination of our Portuguese partner, CTCP, and our Turkish partner, the Climate Association, the trainers will provide training on these standards to industry personnel in their respective countries.

• Development of the online infrastructure for information seminars on the impact of the twin transformation on SMEs has begun. The topics for which digital training materials will be developed have been identified as part of the 4th work package, led by our Italian partner, CNA. The digital infrastructure required for online education was created on the project website.

• The project's website and social media accounts have begun active use.