Global footwear component supplier Texon International has launched a new range of recyclable thermoplastic materials, Texon NVIRO XO, designed to provide manufacturers with a sustainable counter solution.

The range, intended for counter pocket insertion, provides hardness to the back part of the footwear and is resistant to moisture breakdown. It is 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. It is available in thicknesses of 1.85 mm, 1.60 mm, 1.40 mm, and 1.20 mm. 

Commenting on the new range, Clint Bailey, product development manager, Texon International, said, “Thanks to our continuous investments in R&D, Texon NVIRO provides shoes 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.”

Headquartered in the UK, Texon manufactures component solutions for the global footwear, apparel and accessories markets and for specialised products in the automotive, hygiene, medical, construction, agrotextile and geotextile sectors.