ECCO Launches First Shoe With Protein-Based Fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, has introduced a limited-edition ECCO BIOM 720 shoe featuring an innovative protein-based fibre made from leather by-products.

Developed through a collaboration that began in 2020, the technology converts leather waste such as wet blue shavings into durable textile fibres using a mechanical refining process, avoiding chemical treatments. The resulting material offers strength comparable to wool and greater flexibility than cotton, making it suitable for a wide range of textile applications.

The launch marks a shift from development to commercial application, demonstrating how leather by-products can be upcycled into high-value materials, reducing waste and supporting circular production in the footwear and textile industries.