RT journal article
T1 Circular Economy Alternative Repurposing Textile Solid Discarded Materials from the Leather Goods Sector in Ubrique (Cádiz), Southern Spain
A1 Suffo Pino, Miguel
A1 García Morales, José Luis
A1 Abelleira Pereira, José María
A1 D’Agostino, Pierpaolo
A2 Ingeniería Mecánica y Diseño Industrial
A2 Ingeniería Química y Tecnología de Alimentos
A2 Tecnologías del Medio Ambiente
K1 leather goods
K1 textile solid by-products
K1 circular economy
K1 material circularity index MCI
K1 vacuum molding process
AB The leather industry is experiencing a significant rise in production, resulting inan increase in discarded materials–often classified as urban waste—that end up in landfillsor are incinerated. Given the geographical proximity of the leather goods sector in Ubriqueto the cork stopper manufacturing industry in El Puerto de Santa María/Jerez and to theviticulture sector in Jerez/Sanlúcar/Chiclana, it is essential to explore synergies that can address environmental challenges by contemplating a circular economy approach. This studyfocuses on the existing potential of repurposing discarded materials, such as reinforcementsand linings, by meticulously recording, classifying, and characterizing them. The aim is tovalorize these by-products in line with the circular economy principles set out by the European Union. Specifically, the research investigates the feasibility of using these materials asraw inputs, in combination with resins, to produce bottle stoppers for the high-end spiritsindustry. Findings indicate that a single company generates over six tons of textile wasteper month, which equates to approximately EUR 25,000 annually in landfill disposal costs.By implementing a circular alternative that uses just 8.75% of these materials, an economicsaving of around EUR 750 per year was reached. In addition, a low-cost vacuum moldingmethod was tested for producing stoppers, yielding aesthetically pleasing and durableprototypes. The application of a materials circularity index enabled the identification ofoptimal remnants for reintroduction into the production cycle. This re-integration not onlyreduces the reliance on virgin plastic materials, but also has the potential to significantlyreduce the overall environmental impact across interconnected sectors. Ultimately, thisstudy highlights the viability of adopting circular economy practices within the leathergoods sector to promote sustainability and economic efficiency
PB MDPI
SN 2076-3417
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36417
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36417
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 08-nov-2026