CTCP – Centro Tecnológico do Calçado de Portugal

CTCP – Centro Tecnológico do Calçado de Portugal: Footwear Technology and Quality

CTCP – Centro Tecnológico do Calçado de Portugal (Footwear Technology Centre of Portugal) is a non-profit private organisation, founded in 1986 with the incorporation of the footwear quality control laboratory created in 1981, by a common agreement between the Portuguese Footwear, Component and Leather Goods Manufacturers Association (APICCAPS) and two Governmental Institutes of the Portuguese Ministry of Industry, (IAPMEI and INETI).

Today more than 400 private companies are also members of CTCP. CTCP has a full-time 43 staff, including 35 engineers and senior specialists, and the support of 10 external consultants. With its team of experts and infrastructure capabilities CTCP, is active in all key areas affecting the competitiveness of footwear and allied companies, such as:

• Tests, Analysis and Calibrations;
• Technical assistance and industrial consultancy;
• Plant design and investment studies;
• Technology and innovation watch;
• Pre-competitive research;
• Enterprise certification and quality management support;
• Environment;
• Health and safety;
• Training;
• Information and documentation.

CTCP’s Laboratories carries more than 250 different tests according international, European and national standards (ISO, EN, ASTM and other standards). For most materials and products CTCP’s Laboratories have appropriate fitness-to-purpose performance guidelines or use international guidelines.

CTCP’s research and innovation services include: development of innovative materials and components; development of equipment and machines in cooperation with Industrial Companies and other R&D Institutes; optimisation of production and processing capabilities; study, demonstration and promotion of new technologies; technology brokerage and technology transfer.

CTCP carries research & development projects in cooperation with European and International Industrial Companies and Research and Technology Organizations.