What the Project Is All About
Changing how the world walks — that’s the bold vision behind this innovative project. It’s all about shaking up the footwear industry with a fresh approach to manufacturing, logistics, and delivery. The goal? To recreate that essential bond between customer and manufacturer, making production smarter, faster, and more sustainable. At the heart of this revolution is 3D Bonding technology, a game-changer that simplifies how shoe components come together. Imagine one injection that bonds all the pieces of a product simultaneously, in just a few seconds. Sounds like the future, right? Well, it’s happening now.
Main Benefits of 3D Bonding Technology
This new generation technology isn’t just cool — it’s packed with serious advantages:
- Reduces manpower requirements by up to 70%, making production leaner and more efficient.
- Approximately 50% savings in leather and fabric consumption, cutting down waste significantly.
- About 30% less energy use thanks to proximity production, which also slashes freight transportation needs.
All these benefits add up to a footwear manufacturing process that’s not only faster but also greener and more cost-effective. It’s a win-win for businesses and the planet.
Technical Partners Driving Innovation
The project wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of the Simplicityworks team and their network of top-tier technical partners. These companies are among the best in the world, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and skills to the table. Together, they’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear manufacturing, ensuring that 3D Bonding technology is adapted perfectly to industry needs and delivers a high-quality final product.
Funding and Support from European Initiatives
This groundbreaking project is economically co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI). The support from these European bodies is crucial, enabling Simplicity to validate 3D Bonding at a lab scale and refine every phase of the process. The backing also helps in adapting the technology to meet industry standards and improve substrate properties, guaranteeing that once the product hits the market, it’s nothing short of excellent.
Project Mouldeffix: Complementing 3D Bonding
Alongside 3D Bonding, there’s the MOULDEFFIX PROJECT — another innovative leap forward. This initiative focuses on creating new, efficient molds based on vacuum closure technology. The idea? To manufacture resin molds that reduce machining costs and introduce a more flexible system via a conveyor for shoe injection. Running from 2016 to 2019, MOULDEFFIX also received support from the European Regional Development Fund through Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness. Together, these projects are reshaping footwear production from multiple angles.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — by creating new qualified employment opportunities in Europe.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — through the development and implementation of disruptive manufacturing technologies.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — by reducing material waste and energy consumption.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — by suppressing freight transportation and lowering the carbon footprint of production.
Bringing Footwear Production Back to Europe
Thanks to 3D Bonding, footwear production is making a comeback in Europe. This simple and sustainable manufacturing method is perfect for local production, requiring less manual labor, fewer materials, and less energy. That means production can happen anywhere — from the EU to North America — without the usual environmental or logistical headaches. The mission? To “Change the Way the World Walks.” It’s about thinking globally but producing locally, all while boosting sustainability and creating exceptional working conditions. A fresh step forward, indeed.
