UK-based global footwear component supplier Texon International has launched a new eco-friendly range of recyclable thermoplastic footwear counter materials, Texon NVIRO XO, using post conversion leather waste.

The materials, intended for counter pocket insertion, provide hardness to the back part of the footwear and are resistant to moisture breakdown. They are also said to have excellent wear properties, making it suitable for children’s, ladies’ and men’s lightweight sports footwear.

Incorporating post conversion leather waste, Texon NVIRO is a recycled extruded thermoplastic film sandwiched between fusion bonded fabric made from a blend of recycled polyester fibres and impregnated with a styrene co-polymer, coated on both sides with a hot melt adhesive.

Commenting on the new range, Clint Bailey, product development manager, said, “Thanks to our continuous investments in R&D, Texon NVIRO provides shoe manufacturers with eco-friendly and sustainable counter solutions. From the shoe production process, we are able to recycle post conversion leather cuttings and transform them into a key ingredient, which is then integrated into the material to create Texon NVIRO. It allows us to work in close partnership with our customers by utilising unwanted leather and reducing the costs of disposal and benefiting the environment.”