In the Netherlands, roughly half a million people have a condition that warrants wearing orthotic shoes. Over 80% of these shoes are produced abroad, and around 40% overseas. In addition to worldwide transportations, the production process itself has an environmental impact due to the assembly, energy consumption and raw materials used. We estimate that the average person with orthotic shoes has 2 adequate pairs at home, that are actively worn approximately half of the time. People may use their shoes in suboptimal ways for reasons of comfort, convenience, or ignorance. They probably own at least one additional pair that has become idle due to health changes. Currently, options for recycling are sparse in our country.
In conclusion, this shows ample room to improve the climate burden of orthotic shoes. But where to start? To guide choices for more sustainable prescription of orthotic shoes, we present the application of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). An LCA splits the life cycle of a product in phases and categorises its environmental impact. As such, it gives a broader view than carbon footprint alone.
In this instructional course we discuss the steps involved in an orthotic shoe LCA according to ISO norms 14040/44 and its possible impact on daily health care. The LCA can be initiated and performed by any stakeholder (in our case, respectively: the medical specialist and orthotic shoe technician) but relies on cooperation between all parties involved, to provide the necessary information and to evaluate and implement the outcomes.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Attendees will have an understanding of the phases of an LCA and the type of data that form an inventory specifically for orthotic shoes. They will gain insight into the environmental impact and possible choices.
