Ital Group of Taquara/RS, Brazil, has launched Biocouro (Bioleather), a compound of leather fibres, natural latex and other vegetable agents for use in the production of shoe soles.

Made from an ‘exclusive formulation’, Biocouro is said to lend added flexibility and strength to the final product.  Available in plain sheets and in a variety of colours and designs, the product is described as being 30% more resistant to abrasion than other types of leatherboard currently available.

An established provider of insoles, heels and other shoe components, Ital Group has recently opened a new factory in the city of Franca/SP and purchased new equipment in a R$ 2 million investment ($ 680,000).

Four hundred sheets of Biocuoro are produced daily at the new factory where production is expected to be increased to 1,000 units by the end of the year, by which time the product should also be available in rolls.   Adalberto Baptista, director of Ital, says plans are well advanced to produce Biocuoro in other formats, making the product suitable for the production of belts, handbags, welts and wallets.

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