#Raw Materials

2026-04-30

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

ECCO and Spinnova began their collaboration in 2020 through a joint venture exploring how leather by-product raw materials could be utilised as textile fibres. Using the unique technology, by‑products that are typically discarded, burned for energy or composted during leather production, are instead transformed into durable fibres, giving residual materials an entirely new function and lifespan. Unlike traditional recycling methods that downcycle leather into lower‑value applications, this process preserves the natural integrity of the leather fibre, enabling performance suitable for textile manufacturing.

The technology is based on mechanical refining rather than chemical dissolving. Wet blue shavings – thin layers removed to achieve consistent leather thickness – are processed into continuous textile fibre filaments that can be cut into textile‑grade fibres. The resulting material has tensile strength comparable to wool and elongation at break roughly twice that of cotton, combining durability and flexibility. This enables versatile use across woven and knitted textile structures, while supporting more efficient manufacturing with reduced production waste.

The launch demonstrates how innovation can transform an undervalued by‑product into a valuable new resource. By upcycling leather offcuts into premium textile fibres, ECCO and Spinnova have developed a circular solution that preserves material integrity, reduces waste, and creates new possibilities for footwear and textile applications. With the protein-based fibre now debuting in ECCO footwear, this milestone marks the transition from long‑term development to real‑world application.

“This launch is a meaningful moment for us, as it represents the culmination of over five years of close development work with ECCO. Together, we have shown that leather by-product can be transformed into a high‑quality textile fibre with commercial relevance, and it is rewarding to now see this innovation become part of a finished product”, says Janne Poranen, Chief Executive Officer of Spinnova Plc.

“Working closely with Spinnova, we’ve explored how new approaches to materials can unlock value from existing resources. By combining our expertise with their pioneering technology, we’re pushing how footwear can be made”, comments Thomas Gøgsig, Chief Executive Officer of ECCO.

ECCO BIOM® 720 is available from April 29 at www.ecco.com, and ECCO retail stores in the UK and Germany.

Spinnova’s partner NZ TEX GROUP supports scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre

NZ TEX GROUP, Spinnova’s long-term woven fabric manufacturing partner based in Bangladesh, supports the scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre by joining the Spinnova ecosystem. NZ TEX GROUP and Spinnova have jointly developed fabrics, including denim, over several years, and the partners are now formalising and strengthening their cooperation through the ecosystem model.

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem to accelerate technology scale‑up

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to help advance the scale‑up of Spinnova’s technology. Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brings supply chain leaders together around cotton innovation

Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brought together more than 300 industry leaders from 140 companies across 10 countries, including more than 45 top global brands and sourcing organizations, underscoring strong global interest in cotton-rich product development, sourcing and supply chain collaboration.

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Organic cotton at the crossroads: Ideology, evidence, and the road ahead

Organic cotton occupies one of the most contentious spaces in global agriculture. While praised by brands and consumers for its environmental ideals, it also faces persistent questions about yield stability, certification integrity, and scalability. The current edition of The ICAC Recorder cuts through the ideology to deliver a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of both sides of the debate.

EDANA announces five new board members following 2026 Annual General Meeting

The EDANA Board of Governors is elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting by the member companies. The Governors are senior executives (business leaders) from member companies, based in different countries and representing different sectors of the nonwovens industry. The Board has central responsibility for guiding EDANA's overall strategy and approving its policies and priorities. It meets three times a year.

Bangladesh: Italian textile machinery mission stops in Dhaka and Chittagong

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.