• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.165-176
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• 2021

To solve environmental problems, research and efforts are required to reduce leather waste that is generated in large quantities during the leather manufacturing process. Leatherboard is a plate-like material that is made by crushing leather waste, such as trimming or shaving scraps and mixing fibers, pulp, rubber, and adhesives. The aim of this study is to provide basic data on the localization of leatherboard manufacturing technology for outsoles, which are increasingly in demand due to their excellent performance and price competitiveness. Interviews with experts and related organizations were conducted to investigate the related global technology trends. Also, the performance of three products that can be used as reference materials were evaluated and compared. As part of the research and efforts to reduce the amount of leather waste generated, high-performance materials using leather waste were developed and commercialized by major western companies. In Korea, various efforts have been made since 2000, and some companies have produced leatherboard for interior uses. However, the amount of waste recycled relative to that generated is not large due to the limited demand. Natural leather soles perform better than leatherboard soles in all evaluation aspects. In the case of leatherboard, performance varied by manufacturer. German products showed flexibility resistance and dimensional stability, thereby meeting performance requirements. However, abrasion resistance and cleavage resistance were slightly below the required performance standards, and research and development is needed to improve performance in those areas. Currently, it is impossible to evaluate the performance of domestic products due to underdevelopment. However, if the development of process technology continues based on the performance evaluation results of the best leatherboard in the shoe industry, materials for outsoles will be able to be produced domestically with prices competitiveness while realizing natural leather materials performance to some extent.