Portuguese footwear manufacturer Carité Shoemaking Group is testing automation, digitalisation and sustainability technologies through the European FAIST project, as it seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in international markets.
Based in Felgueiras, Carité has exported virtually all of its production since 1995, supplying major international brands. Its participation in FAIST reflects the pressure on Portuguese manufacturers to improve efficiency and control costs while responding to increasingly demanding global markets.
The company is testing technologies including flexible and automated production lines, artificial vision, RFID tracking, AI-supported production management, 3D-printed lasts and more sustainable materials. These solutions are designed to improve productivity, traceability and production flexibility, while supporting the development of higher-value footwear.
For Portugal’s footwear industry, the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies can help companies strengthen their position in international value chains and remain competitive in markets where quality, flexibility, sustainability and cost efficiency are increasingly important.
FAIST brings together more than 40 partners from manufacturing, technology and research, with around €50 million in investment, to support the digital and sustainable transformation of the footwear and leather goods sectors.
Carité’s role as a testing and validation partner also highlights the Portuguese footwear industry’s capacity to develop and adopt advanced manufacturing solutions with potential applications across international markets.
Source: World Footwear
