Ecco, Spinnova develop shoe using leather by-product fibers

Ecco, in collaboration with Spinnova, has introduced a limited-edition version of the Ecco BIOM 720 shoe. This product is unique as it uses leather by-products that are converted into protein-based fibres, offering a new approach to material use in footwear.

These fibres are created using patented technology that focuses on improving material innovation while reducing waste. The process also supports better use of resources within the leather and textile industries.

With this technology, materials that are usually discarded, burned, or composted during leather production are instead turned into strong fibres. This gives waste materials a new purpose and extends their lifecycle. Unlike traditional recycling methods, which often reduce the value of leather, this process maintains the natural structure of the fibre, making it suitable for textile applications.

The method is based on mechanical processing rather than chemical treatment. Wet blue shavings, which are thin layers removed during leather production to ensure uniform thickness, are transformed into continuous filaments. These filaments are then cut into fibres suitable for textiles. The final material has strength similar to wool and can stretch about twice as much as cotton, offering both durability and flexibility. This makes it suitable for use in both woven and knitted fabrics while also reducing waste during production.