The fashion industry — and consequently the footwear sector — is undergoing a profound transformation.
The new European directives E.P.R. (Extended Producer Responsibility) and E.S.P.R. (Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation) are redefining the entire system toward a circular and transparent production model.
Within this context, Charlie was born: a project developed by Olians Plast and presented at SIMAC 2025, conceived as a tangible reflection on the future of the footwear industry.
Charlie is not just a children’s shoe — it is a manifesto for change, an invitation to rethink the relationship between design, technology, and circularity.
Ecodesign as a Starting Point
Charlie was designed according to the principles of Ecodesign, in line with both the new EU Regulation 2024/1781 on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR) and EU Directive 2025/1892, which defines the framework for producer responsibility.
The goal is to create products conceived not only to be used but also to be recycled and reborn through new production cycles, reducing waste and environmental impact.
The project aims to demonstrate how technology can integrate seamlessly with circularity, offering a concrete model of circular design applied to footwear.
Transparency Through Data
At the heart of Charlie lies its Digital Product Passport, a tool based on blockchain technology that accompanies each shoe throughout its entire lifecycle.
This system makes every stage traceable, verifiable, and transparent — from the sourcing of raw materials to the product’s end-of-life.
In this way, every pair of Charlie shoes carries its own digital identity: certified data, recyclability pathways, and environmental and social information that define its real impact.
From Measurement to Action
Through the MINUO service, Olians Plast has measured the environmental impact associated with the production of OLIFOUR, the material used for Charlie’s sole.
For the equivalent CO₂ emissions, ecosystem services within the Tosco-Emilian Apennine National Park are supported — a concrete way to turn data into action and impact into value.
Transparency as a Cultural Revolution
With Charlie, Olians Plast demonstrates that circularity is also a cultural act — the choice to share, trace, and make visible the entire supply chain, shaping a story that is clear, accessible, and authentic.
