ECOBRIEF. A methodological proposal where aesthetics, functionality and sustainability converge

Abstract

The footwear and leather goods sector faces serious problems arising from the linear economy model, characterized by an excessive use of synthetic materials that, under misused terms such as “vegan leathers”, are marketed as sustainable without actually meeting environmental criteria. This absence of truly sustainable materials highlights the need to rethink current design and production practices. Despite the growth in demand for sustainable products and the demands of more conscious consumers, both from academia and from companies it is difficult to implement tools that allow the development and prototyping of sustainable products in an efficient manner and aligned with market needs. In this context, the ecobrief methodology emerges as an innovative solution. This tool proposes a comprehensive approach that, through different phases, incorporates aesthetics, functionality and sustainability in the design of fashion products in the footwear and leather goods sector. The results demonstrate that the ecobrief can facilitate the transition towards more practical models, offering a practical framework for the creation of products aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the expectations of the modern consumer.