When “Going Green” Becomes the Passport of the Footwear Industry

The global footwear industry is under growing pressure regarding environmental responsibility. Many life-cycle studies show that each pair of shoes can emit around 18 to 35 kilograms of CO₂, depending on materials, design, and production processes. Certain product lines, especially sports shoes and safety footwear, can have even higher emissions than common types.

With hundreds of millions of pairs produced every year, the total emissions from this industry account for a significant share within the global industrial system and create considerable environmental pressure.

In Viet Nam, footwear manufacturers, especially those with foreign direct investment (FDI), are facing stricter requirements on traceability, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overall sustainability of their supply chains. Green transformation is therefore no longer a “new trend” but has become a condition for maintaining orders and export markets.

Beyond environmental compliance, green transition is directly linked to competitiveness. Rising production costs, fluctuations in raw materials and logistics, together with the diminishing advantage of low-cost labour, are pushing businesses to look for more sustainable pathways. Using environmentally friendly materials, improving production processes, and adopting clean energy are becoming essential choices for Viet Nam’s footwear sector to maintain its position in global supply chains.

Rooftop Solar: The Intersection of Technology, Cost, and Sustainability

Rooftop solar power has emerged as a highly compatible solution for the specific production characteristics of the footwear industry. Factories often run multiple shifts with relatively stable loads from pressing, bonding, sewing lines and lighting systems. This allows rooftop systems to effectively capture solar radiation during the day, reduce electricity purchased from the grid, and lower production costs.

More importantly, rooftop solar generates clean electricity data that can be accurately measured. In the context where export-oriented companies must prove the share of renewable energy used and actual emission reductions according to audit standards, having a transparent monitoring system provides a clear advantage. For factories operating multiple shifts, the risks of overload and grid failures are always present. A well-designed rooftop solar system, combined with appropriate load management, can help stabilise operations and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime. In footwear production, where delivery deadlines and product quality leave very little room for error, such stability is not only a technical benefit but a strategic factor.

That said, rooftop solar investment still faces several challenges. Upfront capital costs remain a barrier for many enterprises, even though equipment prices have been trending downward over time. Safety during installation on industrial roofs, regular maintenance needs, and the alignment between system design and actual load profiles are all issues that must be carefully considered. In addition, the overall return on investment depends on payback period, electricity policies, and actual consumption over each stage of factory expansion.

As a result, rooftop solar only brings optimal efficiency when it is treated as a long-term solution, planned together with operations, data management, and risk control.

Proven Results: SolarBK’s Solutions in Industrial Footwear Production

Many footwear factories in Viet Nam have already adopted rooftop solar in practice, and the projects implemented by SolarBK show clear impacts on emission reduction and production support.

In Thai Binh, the Creative factory installed a 3,628 kWp system in 2022, generating around 342,588 kWh per month and reducing more than 4,400 tonnes of CO₂ every year. The system was designed to match the specific conditions of industrial roofs and is monitored through the BigKare platform to track generation and emissions.

In Binh Duong, the Jim Brother’s factory installed a 1,000 kWp system in 2020 with monthly output of over 12,000 kWh. This helps cut roughly 952 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Data from the system supports ESG-related reporting requirements from international buyers. In Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Tong Hong operates a rooftop solar system with a capacity of 460 kWp, generating around 679,530 kWh annually and reducing nearly 587 tons of CO₂. The project was implemented under an energy service model, allowing the company to avoid upfront investment and save at least 5% on electricity costs. The adoption of renewable energy helps Tong Hong meet sustainability requirements from international brands.

In Quang Ninh, the Bach Nang factory has been operating a 388 kWp system since 2022, producing more than 35,000 kWh per month and reducing around 480 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

These projects show that rooftop solar has moved beyond the pilot phase and into full-scale deployment, with clear data on generation and emission reduction.
SolarBK has strengths in designing systems that suit factory conditions, ensuring safe installation, and delivering accurate data. These capabilities are crucial in continuous production environments, where disruptions can translate directly into major costs. SolarBK’s position is demonstrated through its ability to integrate technical solutions, plant operations, and transparent sustainability data.

The Long-Term Pathway for Viet Nam’s Footwear Industry

Rooftop solar is gradually becoming a new standard in footwear supply chains, particularly among FDI manufacturers. Renewable energy systems not only help reduce operating costs, but also facilitate environmental auditing in line with international standards.

If a meaningful proportion of textile and footwear factories shift to solar power, the total installed capacity and emission reductions could reach a substantial level, strengthening the sector’s competitive edge, especially as environmental criteria tighten worldwide.

At the same time, renewable energy solutions with transparent emissions data help companies rank higher in supplier evaluations, improving their access to high-value orders with strict quality and sustainability requirements.

However, green transition does not come without challenges. Investment capital, technical capacity, and requirements for stable operation all create real pressure. Therefore, rooftop solar should be viewed as a long-term strategic solution, aligned with production and market plans, rather than just a short-term cost-saving measure.

In an increasingly competitive landscape, investing in clean energy solutions with transparent data is a way for Vietnamese footwear manufacturers to build lasting advantages, instead of relying solely on price or low-cost labour.

Enterprises in the footwear sector are standing at a critical turning point. Investment in clean energy can make a clear difference in costs, operations, and the ability to meet international standards.

For businesses that need feasibility assessments, investment costs, payback periods, or tailored solutions for existing factories, SolarBK is ready to accompany you.

SolarBK provides in-depth assessments, optimised designs, and safe, efficient operation solutions with transparent, measurable data.