Rediscover the value of a natural product. Italsform writes the story of a new leather sole, free of chemical components, which meets the need to reduce the landfills waste
More than a real innovation, it is a true return to origins. The latest project developed by Italsform is a sole made of certified vegetable tanned leather “as they used to be”, free of chemical dyes and synthetic lining. These characteristics determine its absolute eco-compatibility: “Leather is itself a recycled material as it’s a byproduct of the food industry – says the owner and modeling manager, Davide Sarpieri – and if it is not chemically treated it can be recycled at the end of its life; the related residues and processing cuttings can be reintroduced into the production cycle as well, instead of being disposed in landfills.”
The new eco-sustainable prototype by Italsform was developed in the company’s research laboratories to meet the demand, driven by the big fashion brands, for products that have less and less impact on the environment and on the consumers’ health. “We have not invented anything – Davide Sarpieri is keen to specify -, this sole is made according to ancient and reliable methods, it’s hand-dyed with natural water-based dyes and it has no protective plastic ‘tissues’. A ‘circular’ product, completely recyclable after its use and therefore intended to reduce the production of waste.”
But what are its limits compared to the traditional product? “Durability and technical performance are identical, if not better, than the classic leather sole used for elegant or casual footwear – continues Davide Sarpieri. For now, however, it is not yet possible to obtain those aesthetic features such as color brilliance or to choose among a wide range of colors we are normally used to. Some types of finishing are also excluded, such as lacquering.
The company, based in San Mauro Pascoli (Forlì Cesena), specialized in the production of semi-finished products for footwear, soles, leather and rubber monoblock soles, pursues eco-fashion standards aimed at satisfying the new conscience of consumers and the fashion system (for example, the company developed the coconut fiber sole back in 2019). “We try to give our contribution to protect the environment – concludes the owner – with environmentally friendly and cutting-edge products and materials that arise from a company philosophy focused on the unceasing drive for renewal and resources optimization. We have always believed in sustainable development and we are confident that this will keep on representing a great competitive advantage.”
The prototype, which does not yet have a commercial name, will be shown to stylists and shoe factories at the upcoming edition of Lineapelle.
The prototype of the new leather sole by Italsform, free of chemical treatments