Automation and Digitalisation Set to Reshape Footwear and Leather Technology Through 2045
New VDMA TFL study highlights technological innovation, specialisation and new business models as key factors for the future competitiveness of Europe’s footwear and leather machinery industry.
The European footwear and leather machinery industry is entering a period of significant transformation, with automation, digitalisation, technological innovation and evolving business models reshaping markets and manufacturing processes.
These findings emerge from “Threads of the Future, Footwear and Leather Technology Edition”, a new study presented by VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (VDMA TFL) during a press conference at SIMAC Tanning Tech in Milan.
Commissioned by VDMA TFL and conducted by consulting firm Gherzi, the study examines the long-term outlook for Europe’s footwear and leather machinery industry through 2045.
“The future of European footwear and leather technology will largely depend on how successfully companies combine automation, digitalization and new business models,” said Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies. “The study identifies where the greatest opportunities for innovation and growth lie and highlights the strategic decisions companies need to take today.”
Technology Emerges as a Competitiveness Driver
The study analyses developments across footwear manufacturing, automotive interiors and leather goods, with particular attention to automation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and data- and service-based business models.
According to the study, European machinery manufacturers can strengthen their future competitiveness through technological leadership, specialised expertise and solutions that deliver greater customer value. Connected production systems and digital services spanning the value chain are also expected to become increasingly important.
Emerging Markets Expand Growth Opportunities
Beyond traditional footwear and leather applications, the study identifies opportunities in adjacent sectors, including automotive interiors and leather goods.
Changing customer expectations, shorter product and innovation cycles, and the growing digitalisation of manufacturing are increasing the requirements placed on machinery suppliers. Future-ready solutions will need to integrate machinery, software, data and services into connected production ecosystems.
International Competition Intensifies
The study also highlights significant changes in the global competitive landscape. For European machinery manufacturers, factors such as innovation speed, quality, application expertise and customer proximity are becoming increasingly important differentiators.
Manufacturers that combine established engineering capabilities with automation and digital technologies could strengthen their position as the industry evolves.
VDMA TFL Reports Positive Economic Trends
Recent economic data from VDMA TFL indicates positive market development. Between August 2025 and July 2026, order intake increased by 5.5% in real terms compared with the previous year, while sales rose by 5.4%.
Momentum was stronger during the three-month period from May to July 2026, when order intake was 14.3% higher than the previous year’s level and sales increased by 26.1%.
On the global footwear and leather technology market, China remained the largest supplier in 2025, recording exports worth €454.1 million. Italy followed with €245.6 million, while Germany recorded exports of €51.1 million, remaining broadly in line with the previous year.
For Italian footwear and leather technology, China was the leading export market in 2025, with imports valued at €25.5 million. France followed at €20.8 million, while Spain and the United States each accounted for approximately €16.7 million.
German exports were led by the United States at €10.9 million and Mexico at €6.8 million, with France, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom also among the country’s key markets.
