Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology request
- POD Reference
- TRGB20250424008
- Term of Validity
- 24 April 2025 - 24 April 2026
- Company's Country
- United Kingdom
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
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A UK sustainable circular textile producer seeks technical expertise to enhance sustainability in leather, footwear, and textile recycling. They seek collaboration in:
1.Sustainable Additives – Eco-friendly fire retardants, water/oil/stain resistance
2.Recycling Technologies – Innovative processes for leather, footwear, and textiles.
3.Biobased Polymers – Sustainable alternatives to traditional polymers.
4.Natural Fibres – High-performance, sustainable fibre integration. - Full Description
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Pioneering sustainable materials since 2007
In 2007, the company revolutionised the industry by developing a groundbreaking process that rescued leather offcuts from landfill, championing sustainable manufacturing long before it became mainstream. Today, they continue to innovate, transforming waste into premium, durable materials for a growing range of applications.
With expanded capabilities, they now regenerate up to 6 million m² of award-winning next-generation materials annually, incorporating diverse feedstocks to drive sustainability at scale. Trusted by global brands such as Dr Martens, Coach, and Southwest Airlines, they provide high-performance solutions that meet the strictest quality and sustainability standards.
For companies striving to meet sustainability goals without compromising on performance, their upcycled leather sets the benchmark—delivering on bold promises with the capacity to scale innovation.
They seek R&D partners, material innovators, and industry specialists. - Advantages and Innovations
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This company has pioneered next generation upcycled leather, setting a new industry standard for sustainable, high-performance materials. Unlike traditional leather and synthetic alternatives, their process:
. Diverts waste from landfill – regenerates up to 6 million m² of material annually, repurposing leather offcuts and other feedstocks to create high-quality, durable products.
. Delivers superior performance – matches or exceeds the strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal of virgin leather, making it ideal for demanding applications in fashion, automotive, and aviation.
. Reduces environmental impact – cuts carbon emissions and water usage compared to conventional leather production, helping brands meet stringent sustainability targets.
. Scales sustainability at an industrial level – provides consistent, high-quality materials at scale, unlike competitors offering small-batch or niche solutions.
. Proven by global brands – trusted by Dr. Martens, Coach, and Southwest Airlines, demonstrating its ability to meet stringent industry standards.
. Innovative material science – continually develops new bio-based and circular solutions, further reducing reliance on virgin resources and fossil-fuel-based synthetics.
With a proven track record in sustainable innovation, this company empowers brands to meet their environmental commitments without compromising on quality or performance. - Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
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Collaboration in EU wide and European level R&D projects or consortia, across a wide spectrum of TRLs related to
1. Sustainable additives used in textile production e.g. fire retardancy, water resistance, oil resistance, stain resistance
2. Leather, footwear and textile recycling technologies
3. Biobased replacements for polymers in textile production
4. The use of natural fibres from sustainable sources in high performance textiles
Business is also interested to hear from:
5. Meat manufacturers looking to recycle hides
6. Clothing manufacturers looking to recycle offcuts - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- IPR status
- IPR applied but not yet granted
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
- The partners should be innovators in sustainable textile design and manufacturing, R&D experts, material developers, and industry specialists. They will be expected to provide innovative solutions, technical expertise, or pilot-ready technologies in areas such as sustainable additives, recycling processes, biobased polymers, or high-performance natural fibres. Collaboration may involve technology co-development, material testing, or integrating solutions into existing production processes. The company would consider a range of stages of development as well as a research coop agreement.
- Type and Size of Partner
- Other
- R&D Institution
- SME 11-49
- University
- SME <=10
- SME 50 - 249
- Big company
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 02007019 - Lightweight materials
- 02007018 - Advanced Textile Materials
- 02007020 - Biobased materials
- Market keywords
- 09004003 - Textiles (synthetic and natural)
- Targeted countries
- All countries