In an exciting development for the textile and footwear industries, the joint venture Respin, co-owned by Spinnova and Ecco, is showing significant promise with its innovative leather waste-based fiber. This new material could transform the industry by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional leather.
Ecco has successfully crafted a prototype shoe using the fiber produced from Respin’s pilot line, leveraging Spinnova’s cutting-edge technology. The first product featuring this eco-friendly fiber is anticipated to hit the market before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Recognizing the substantial opportunities for scaling up production, Spinnova and Ecco have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to outline their future plans. According to the LOI, both companies are committed to expanding operations and collaborating to reach a definitive decision on scaling and commercializing Respin’s production.
“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,”
Tuomas Oijala, Spinnova’s CEO
Aligned with Spinnova’s strategic goals, the Adidas collaborator will provide the necessary technology for any production scale-up. Notably, Spinnova does not anticipate needing additional external financing to enhance production capacity, ensuring a smooth transition to larger-scale operations.
“We are optimistic about the fiber quality reached at Respin and see a clear potential using the fiber in our future products. 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.”
Thomas Gøgsig, Ecco’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ecco
The Respin joint venture, a 50/50 partnership with Ecco and its leather partner KT Trading, was established in May 2021. This initiative aims to create circular textiles from leather waste using Spinnova’s low-emission technology. The key sustainability benefits of this leather fiber include the use of renewable raw materials, zero harmful chemicals, and minimal water consumption.
“Respin is an excellent example of how far we can get when we work together across industries, we have a joint mission to explore new ways to upcycle our waste material.”
Kristian Geert-Jensen, CEO of KT Trading
The development of Respin’s leather waste-based fiber represents a significant milestone in sustainable fashion and textile production. With the successful prototype and committed plans for scaling, Spinnova and Ecco are set to revolutionize the industry, providing eco-friendly alternatives and showcasing the potential of collaborative innovation.
