New products made from recycled leather and plastic waste
Franca-based engineer Richard Tavares has found a way of recycling leather and plastic waste to make a hard material with similar properties to wood and MDF. IT can be used to make furniture, flooring and partitions, among other things.
Mr Tavares said: “The components of this new material are heat-treated and made into boards that could replace traditional materials in the production of furniture and other goods at a much lower cost.” Laboratory tests show that it offers good thermal insulation, resistance and flexibility.
Footwear manufacturing units dispose of tons of leather and plastic waste each day to the detriment of the environment, and toxic substances can also be released during the long decomposition process.
Entrepreneur in the plastic packaging sector Adalberto Benedetti is considering investing in the new material. "It is a very good idea. There is now a new use for leather and plastic waste that would otherwise end up spoiling the environment,” he said.
