ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.
ECCO and Spinnova began their collaboration in 2020 through a joint venture exploring how leather by-product raw materials could be utilised as textile fibres. Using the unique technology, by‑products that are typically discarded, burned for energy or composted during leather production, are instead transformed into durable fibres, giving residual materials an entirely new function and lifespan. Unlike traditional recycling methods that downcycle leather into lower‑value applications, this process preserves the natural integrity of the leather fibre, enabling performance suitable for textile manufacturing.
The technology is based on mechanical refining rather than chemical dissolving. Wet blue shavings – thin layers removed to achieve consistent leather thickness – are processed into continuous textile fibre filaments that can be cut into textile‑grade fibres. The resulting material has tensile strength comparable to wool and elongation at break roughly twice that of cotton, combining durability and flexibility. This enables versatile use across woven and knitted textile structures, while supporting more efficient manufacturing with reduced production waste.
The launch demonstrates how innovation can transform an undervalued by‑product into a valuable new resource. By upcycling leather offcuts into premium textile fibres, ECCO and Spinnova have developed a circular solution that preserves material integrity, reduces waste, and creates new possibilities for footwear and textile applications. With the protein-based fibre now debuting in ECCO footwear, this milestone marks the transition from long‑term development to real‑world application.
“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”, says Janne Poranen, Chief Executive Officer of Spinnova Plc.
“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”, comments Thomas Gøgsig, Chief Executive Officer of ECCO.
ECCO BIOM® 720 is available from April 29 at www.ecco.com, and ECCO retail stores in the UK and Germany.
About Spinnova – The textile material innovation
Spinnova technology transforms the way textiles are manufactured globally. Based in Finland, Spinnova has developed a breakthrough patented technology for making textile fibre out of wood pulp or waste, such as leather, textile, or agricultural cropping waste, without harmful chemicals or dissolving.
Spinnova technology creates no side streams in the fibre production process, and the SPINNOVA® fibre has minimal CO2 emissions and water use, as well as being biodegradable and recyclable. Spinnova technology uses a mechanical process which gives the fibre the look and feel of a natural cellulosic fibre such as cotton.
Spinnova’s shares (SPINN) are listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. www.spinnova.com
About ECCO
At ECCO, we’ve kept people walking since 1963. ECCO is an iconic brand based on Danish design, quality, and innovative technologies. We create shoes with unique comfort for families around the world. ECCO makes shoes to last. We are a responsible company and manage every aspect of the value chain from leather and shoe production to retail. ECCO is family-owned and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. ECCO’s products are sold in 98 countries. ECCO website: www.group.ecco.com
Source
Spinnova, press release, 2026-04-29.
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