Archive · 7 Jan 2026
India Can Lead Sustainable Footwear Exports: Exim Bank
Exim Bank says India can become a big player in making and selling eco-friendly shoes.
Many famous brands are already using shoes made from plant-based materials like coffee beans, rice husks, and grape skins.
India has lots of natural resources and skilled workers, which can help it make these sustainable shoes at a lower cost.
To do this, India needs to invest in new technologies and work with both the government and private companies.
This will help India meet the growing demand for sustainable fashion worldwide.
International brands are promoting sustainable shoes made from plant-based materials.
India has the potential to become a global hub for sustainable footwear exports due to its natural resources and skilled labor.
Sustainable materials like coffee beans, rice husks, grape-based alternatives, and recycled materials are becoming mainstream.
India needs to invest in research, public-private partnerships, and supply chain traceability to realize this potential.
Global buyers demand transparency, certifications, and compliance with environmental and labor standards.
- Who
- Exim Bank, Indian footwear manufacturers, international brands like Marks & Spencer, Stella McCartney, Gucci
- What
- Potential for India to become a global hub for sustainable footwear exports
- When
- Current and future market trends
- Where
- India, Europe, North America
- Why
- Growing global demand for sustainable and affordable footwear
- Key Players
- Marks & Spencer, Stella McCartney, Gucci
- Sustainable Materials
- Coffee beans, natural rubber, rice husks, grape-based alternatives, viscose, wood pulp, recycled steel, banana fibers, coconut husk, hemp, jute, sugarcane bagasse, pineapple leaf fibers, mushroom-based leather, apple leather, recycled PET bottles
- Regions with High Demand
- Europe, North America
- India's Advantages
- Natural resources, manufacturing base, skilled labor, green startups, cost competitiveness
- Required Investments
- Research and development, public-private partnerships, supply chain traceability