Danish footwear manufacturer ECCO has released the ECCO BIOM 720, a limited-edition shoe that makes use of a protein-based fibre derived from leather by-products.

he company developed the fibre in partnership with fibre technology firm Spinnova, with the aim of advancing material innovation and reducing waste in the leather and textile sectors.

According to Spinnova, the new fibre results from patented technology, which transforms wet blue shavings, thin leather layers removed during production, into continuous filaments suitable for textile manufacture.

With tensile strength comparable to wool and an elongation at break roughly twice that of cotton, the filaments can be cut into textile-grade fibres suitable for various applications. This combination of strength and flexibility enables use in both woven and knitted textile structures, while also facilitating more efficient manufacturing processes and reducing production waste.

ECCO CEO Thomas Gøgsig said: “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.”

ECCO and Spinnova’s partnership started in 2020 via a joint venture focused on the potential for upcycling leather residuals into new fibres. This technology employs a mechanical process, rather than a chemical one, to refine the raw material, which helps minimise waste and preserve the natural quality of the leather fibre for use in higher value textile applications.

The ECCO BIOM 720 has been available since late April through the brand’s website and select ECCO retail stores in the UK and Germany.

Spinnova CEO Janne Poranen said: “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.”