SATRA

Examining how the footwear industry depends on nature, so protecting biodiversity is crucial for its future. by Nicola Pichel-Juan ‘Biodiversity’ – that is, biological diversity – is a term used to describe the variety of life on planet Earth. It does not only refer to the total number of distinct species on our planet, but also to the genetic diversity within a species, as well as the diversity of habitats and ecosystems in which they live.

Registrations are being taken for SATRA’s online presentations on issues relating to the design and production of footwear. SATRA’s programme of regular webinars presented on a variety of key industry topics is proving very popular with members around the world. Hundreds of online attendees have taken advantage of this provision, all of whom have the opportunity to pose questions before the event, during the presentation or afterwards.

Explaining how more than a century of research, technical expertise and industry collaboration continues to be used to support the global footwear industry. by Simon Renshaw The footwear industry has never stood still. Materials continue to evolve, manufacturing techniques become more sophisticated, sustainability expectations increase, regulations change and consumers demand ever higher levels of quality, comfort and performance.

Access to Bulletin expert articles is reserved for members only. Skiving materials in footwear production Skiving is the operation used to reduce the substance (thickness) of the cut edge of an upper or lining material often prior to stitching. There are three principal reasons for the skiving operation: to improve the appearance of the finished upper, to reduce a seam’s bulk to avoid discomfort in wear and to aid subsequent operations such as folding and stitching.

Access to Bulletin expert articles is reserved for members only. Peel strength testing of sole adhesion Outlining the test procedures for assessing footwear sole bonds. Achieving a good bond is a multistep process, with many opportunities for error that can lead to poor results. Sole bond failure is not just a quality issue – it can also impact upon wearer safety. Please see how SATRA Membership could benefit you. To request access please enter your email address below.

Nike has launched a performance footwear system designed for athletes who combine running, strength training and functional fitness in training and competition. The range includes the ‘Nike Hybrid Fly’ for racing and the ‘Nike Hybrid RN’ for training. Both are said to have been developed with input from elite and recreational hybrid athletes.

Skechers has announced that construction of its new European distribution centre near Liège Airport, Belgium, is nearing completion. The 230,000 square metre facility, located close to the company’s existing Milmort operation, is expected to support a smooth transition while strengthening Skechers’ logistics capabilities across Europe.

Access to Bulletin expert articles is reserved for members only. Tackling leather pipiness problems How to reduce this issue. Pipiness, which is different to wrinkling, can happen almost anywhere on the upper, but especially where the leather has been laminated to a lining. Please see how SATRA Membership could benefit you. To request access please enter your email address below.

Mark Southam ‘met himself’ on the day of his retirement. After a remarkable 49-year career at SATRA, footwear expert Mark Southam has finally clocked out for the last time, bringing to a close a journey that began with an unlikely assignment involving shoes, socks and a washing machine. Speaking at his retirement presentation and facing a life-sized cardboard cut-out of himself created by colleagues, Mark reflected on a career full of technical achievement, travel, friendship and opportunity.

Our series of articles introducing members of the SATRA footwear team continues by focusing on a technologist who has combined personal development with hands-on experience. It is always interesting to follow the career progression of colleagues who have developed their expertise through a variety of roles and experiences. SATRA footwear technologist Connor Mehew is one such example, having built an impressive breadth of knowledge during his nine-year journey within the organisation.