Design to reduce is the principle that guides the development of AKU footwear, where particular attention is given to identifying design solutions with a reduced environmental impact, especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, across the entire life cycle.
This approach translates into designing with great care, selecting materials thoughtfully, and working with a controlled supply chain, with the aim of optimizing resource use while ensuring transparency and traceability.
But what does this mean in practice?
It starts with intelligent design, reducing the overall amount of materials and favoring simple, functional construction solutions. For example, designing the sole in a way that allows for resoling, extending the product’s lifespan.
It also means choosing more responsible materials, such as recycled or bio-based components, and working with suppliers that can guarantee environmental standards and verifiable traceability data.
In addition, it involves optimizing production processes, with the goal of reducing manufacturing waste and energy consumption. This allows us to develop products whose materials, processing and certifications can be clearly identified and traced.
From this approach comes a concrete goal for AKU: to reach at least 15% of recycled or bio-based materials in every product by 2030, with a target of 50% by 2050.
