The Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) evaluates the point-to-point sustainability of the manufacture of materials intended for clothing and footwear; JBS leather takes center stage in all categories on the index
Kind Leather by JBS Couros is recognized as the most sustainable leather on the market, because of its efficient and innovative production process that removes at the start of the process the parts of the leather that would be of little use, since this material can still be routed to other industries – like pharmaceuticals and food, transforming waste into raw materials and making a significant contribution to the sustainability of the entire value chain. With all these differentials, Kind Leather has just been awarded yet another important recognition: the best score in the industry on the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI).
Higg MSI is a global index that evaluates different materials used in the fashion industry, like cotton, leather, plastics, textiles, metal and rubber. The production of these materials is analyzed in categories like Global Warming Potential, Water Usage, Fuels Usage and the Use of Chemical Products.
The lower the number on the index, the smaller the impact on the environment. To have an idea, in the Global Warming Potential category, Kind Leather scores 8, while the global average for the industry is 34.3, wool scores 45.2 points and cotton 8.8.
“This important recognition opens many doors and markets. Top brands in this segment use the index as the basis for entering into partnerships and choosing the most appropriate materials for their production. The most important point though is establishing a scientific basis to improve even more Kind Leather’s sustainable performance”, Kim Sena, Sustainability Manager at JBS Couros explains.
JBS Couros launches leather with nanotechnology that renders the Covid-19 virus inactive
Aware of the needs triggered by the new coronavirus pandemic, JBS Couros is bringing to market a product with JBS V-Block technology that renders the SARS-Cov-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, inactive. The coating of the leather is treated with an additive of micro particles of silver that have an antiviral action, and it is indicated for surfaces that may be constantly exposed to the virus, such as furniture, seats and vehicle steering wheels. Clothes, bags and purses, frequently handled items, can also be manufactured from nanotechnology-based leather.
“Our leather was subjected to scientific tests that proved the inactivation of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Applying the technology adds further value to our product by helping to preserve the material and its resistance”, says Guilherme Motta, CEO of JBS Couros.
In tests undertaken in the level-3 biosecurity laboratory (NB3), of the Biomedical Institute of the University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), the material demonstrated 99% inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 30 minutes from contact with viral particles. “Using micro particles increases the surface contact with the silver and its stability on the leather, boosting the antiviral action”, says researcher Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas, who participated in testing the new material. The tests were carried out in accordance with international standard ISO 21702, which establishes the most appropriate methods for detecting antiviral activity on plastics and non-porous surfaces.
The micro particles are made by synthesizing silver salts – the element chosen for its acknowledged antiviral action – and stabilized using nanotechnology. “The micro particles of silver are capable of inactivating the virus using two mechanisms: in its membrane – where they penetrate the external covering of the virus, preventing it from entering the host cells and, in the RNA (or DNA), where they oxidize the genetic material of the exposed virus, rendering it incapable of multiplying,” says materials scientist, Daniel Minozzi, founder and director of Nanox, the company specializing in nanotechnology and antimicrobial products that developed the additive used by JBS Couros.
“We searched for the best conditions for applying the additive, taking into account equipment and appropriate regulations, as well as concentrations and points for applying JBS V-Block technology that resulted in the success of this project”, Motta asserts.