Seeking to find new ways to recycle the waste generated by the footwear industry in Franca – the main shoe manufacturing cluster in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil - 80% of which is in the form of leather trimmings, researchers at the University of Franca (Unifran) have developed a type of ready-to-use concrete which contains these trimmings in its formula. The new product offers several advantages. It is lighter than similar materials and is resistant to the weather, to sulphate attacks, alkali reactions and has controlled permeability.

Preliminary studies have shown that if used in the form of blocks or panels this new product also has good sound-proofing properties.

The Unifran team has already filed a patent application for the new product at the National Intellectual Property Institute (INPI). An Austrian company, GK Construction, has already shown interest in supporting continued research in this area which will include finding out if old shoes could also be used in the composition of the new product, and whether the product can reduce noise levels in suburban roads.

Unifran hopes to introduce the product to the market in the near future and expects to attract interest from the tanning and leather goods sector as a new outlet for solid waste disposal.