News
Ecco sets out intentions for waste-based fibre business
Footwear firm Ecco has signed a letter of intent with Spinnova, a sustainable textile developer, laying out their future plans for Respin – their joint venture company that produces leather waste-based fibre. Spinnova and Ecco see significant opportunities in scaling up Respin’s production volumes to a commercial level. According to the leather of intent, both parties are committed to this and will work together on how to proceed Ecco has already made a prototype shoe that includes fibre from the Respin pilot line produced using Spinnova technology. A product launch is expected to take place before the end of Q1 2025. “We are happy to move forward with our joint venture Respin, said Tuomas Oijala, Spinnova’s CEO. “I am proud of the progress we have made with Respin’s fibre quality, which now meets
commercial requirements and demonstrates the versatility of the Spinnova technology, which can use multiple different feedstocks, including protein-based leather waste. We now have a clear plan with Ecco for the next steps to reach the decision for scaling the leather waste-based fibre production.” Ecco’s chief commercial officer, Thomas Gøgsig, added: “We are optimistic about the fibre quality reached at Respin and see a clear potential using the fibre in our future products. Ecco is committed together with Spinnova to continuing to work towards scaling the production of the leather waste-based fibre, and we are looking forward to the international scaling of the fibre.”
Spinnova said it does not expect to raise further external financing to fund the increase in Respin’s production capacity.
Kenya plans to double production
Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aims to double leather production by the end of 2024, according to reports in the Kenyan press. The plan, in collaboration with the private sector, is proposing to create approximately 100,000 new jobs while also growing production of leather-related products such as shoes in a country that currently produces eight million pairs annually, reported The Star. Speaking during a tour of the Kitengela Prison Leather Tannery, livestock development principal secretary, Jonathan Mueke, said: “As we are reviving the leather sector, we found that there is a huge demand for leather finished goods in Kenya, so we are working with the private sector to increase value addition and create jobs.” The country-wide tannery revival plan will involve inspection and upgrading of all tanneries, beginning with the Kitengela tannery. According to the Kenya Leather Development Council, there are currently 15 tanneries across the country. Additionally, the plans include putting in place training programmes for leather technicians on modern leather making and technology.
Italian leather producer reveals
new brand identity Italian leather producer Gruppo Mastrotto has revealed a new brand identity, which includes the restyling of its logo, a new tag line, and the redesign of its website, The company said the concept of ‘premiumness’ underpins the rebranding strategy. The new logo has been designed to express the company’s core values: quality, tradition and modernity. Gruppo Mastrotto said it represents “the reliability and elegance that distinguish the brand, making it instantly recognisable in the global panorama of the tanning industry”. Meanwhile, the new ‘Leather Forward’ slogan “represents the bold vision of a future focused on innovation and sustainability”, and “expresses the company’s commitment to promoting continuous progress, keeping its passion for leather and its focus on environmental and social issues at the centre of attention”. The new website features “a modern, elegant design and intuitive browsing”. It offers an optimised user experience, with renewed content providing detailed information on the products, technologies and values that guide the company. Particular attention has been paid to the presentation of the ‘Express’ offer, “the ready-to-buy leather service that guarantees immediate availability of a wide range of articles in over 1,500 colours”. “The renewal of our brand identity marks a key moment. With the new [tagline], we are emphasising our commitment to sustainable innovation combined with uncompromising quality. This restyling is not just an aesthetic change, but a reflection of a strategic vision that reasserts our leadership position in the tanning industry,” said Chiara Mastrotto, president of Gruppo Mastrotto.
Tata International launches new sustainable product
Tata International, a manufacturer and exporter of finished leather and footwear, has launched Phoenix Leather, a sustainable product, under its Earthcare Leather range. Phoenix Leather is created through a patented process called ‘Genocorium’, developed in collaboration with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai. The process is said to transform trim waste from leather production into “high-quality” reconstituted leather sheets, and not only repurposes corium waste but also reduces the water pollution, depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional leather manufacturing.
Leather International /
www.leathermag.com
Tata International said the Earthcare Leather range, featuring Phoenix Leather alongside bio-based and chrome-free/metal- free/aldehyde-free options, underscores its commitment to circularity and sustainability in the leather industry. The Earthcare Leather range is produced at the company’s facilities in Dewas, employing more than 750 workers. P. Rajasekaran, business head - finished leather business at Tata International, said: “Tata International’s Earthcare Leather range aims to lead the sustainable development of the leather industry. Despite lower demand post-Covid, we are now witnessing promising recovery with increased interest from key
markets such as the US, China, and Europe. Tata International is one of the largest exporters of leather and leather products in India. We are optimistic about sustainable and bio-based leather. Earthcare leather in financial year 2023-2024 accounted for 27% of our total production and we plan to increase this to 50% in the next four years.” Tata International Ltd is the global trading and distribution company of the Tata Group. The company operates through a network of offices and subsidiaries across 29 countries, spanning Africa, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Asia, and has spearheaded forays into new geographies for the group.
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