Respin’s leather waste-based fiber is looking promising, according to joint owners Spinnova and Ecco.
The latter has successfully crafted a prototype shoe using fiber from the Respin pilot line, which was produced using the former’s technology. A product featuring that fiber is expected to drop before the end of 2025’s first quarter.
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Considering the “significant opportunities” in scaling up Respin’s production volumes to a commercial level, the Finnish fiber firm and premium shoe brand have signed a letter of intent (LOI) on their future plans. Per the LOI, both parties are committed to scaling operations and working together to reach a “final decision” on how to proceed with Respin’s production scaling and commercialization.
“We are happy to move forward with our joint venture Respin. I am proud of the progress we have made with Respin’s fiber 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,” said Tuomas Oijala, Spinnova’s CEO. “We now have a clear plan with Ecco for the next steps to reach the decision for scaling the leather waste-based fiber production.”
In line with Spinnova’s strategy and the Respin joint venture agreement, the Adidas collaborator will serve as the technology provider for any production scale-up. Spinnova noted that it does not expect to raise further external financing to fund the increase in production capacity, however.
“We are optimistic about the fiber quality reached at Respin and see a clear potential using the fiber in our future products,” said Thomas Gøgsig, Ecco’s chief commercial officer. “Ecco is committed together with Spinnova to continue to work toward scaling the production of the leather waste-based fiber, and we are looking forward to the international scaling of the fiber.”
Spinnova’s 50/50 joint venture with Ecco and its leather partner, KT Trading, was established in Mary 2021 to create new, circular textiles made from leather waste. Made with Spinnova’s low-emission technology, the leather fiber’s key sustainability benefits include using renewable raw materials, zero harmful chemicals and minimal water use.
“Respin is an excellent example of how far we can get when we work together across industries,” said Kristian Geert-Jensen, CEO of KT Trading. We have a joint mission to explore new ways to upcycle our waste material.”