Chanel-backed start-up creates new avenue for offcuts
27/06/2024
Its process grinds down the pieces of leather into a ‘sand’ and mixes the powder with polymers – offering recycled and biobased options – at a blend of around 50%. The resulting pellets act in the same way as other plastics, and can be moulded and shaped to offer various properties, depending on the end use.
The idea for the company came from speaking to brands, and finding out leather scraps were a problem. “They told us they did not know what to do with this waste. Legislation says they cannot destroy the scraps any more,” Noemie Dumesnil, director of operations, told leatherbiz. Chanel has since invested in the start-up.
Users of the material include accessories brand Polene, which used the product as ‘stones’ and made a handbag (pictured). “They made recycling glamorous and embraced the essence of circularity,” added Ms Dumesnil.
The leather powder can also be combined with rubber to make soles.
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