The first laces will be used by Emma Safety Footwear.

Woven reinforcements maker Eurocarbon; Paperwise, which makes paper from waste; and Rd4 Textile Sorting Center have also been involved in the project.

Marc Meijers, founder of DenimX, said: “All companies that have contributed to the development of this lace are active in the circular economy. 

“We prevent valuable materials (waste) from ending up in an incinerator or a landfill. Tying laces is synonymous with establising a durable connection. The collaboration is a good representation of the way in which we will have to operate in the future in order to make the transition to a circular economy.” 

Swedish workwear-focused Hultafors Group, owner of Emma, will later use the laces in its other brands.