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.
