Artecola makes a significant contribution to the decarbonization strategy and to strengthening sustainable practices in the market. In partnership with Imacal, the company innovates in solvent-free strap bonding and wins the FIMEC 2026 Launch Awards.

Innovation and sustainability are already hallmarks of Artecola, recognized and awarded by the market. This week, the company reinforces its sustainable vision by presenting new products at FIMEC, the footwear supply chain fair that begins this Tuesday (3) and runs through Thursday (5), at the FENAC pavilions in Novo Hamburgo, southern Brazil. One of the highlights is heel counters with nearly 54% lower carbon emissions in their production. Also featured is a laminate that uses coffee waste in its composition, along with a solvent-free adhesive that revolutionizes strap bonding and has just received the FIMEC Launch Awards for Innovation. “We seek excellence in products to make a strategic and efficient difference for our customers,” highlights CEO Eduardo Kunst. The company’s booth is located in Pavilion 4 (stand 4020).

TECHNOLOGY REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT – The Ecofibra CF 1203 line of heel counters (structural material for footwear) was developed with Artecola’s exclusive technology: the only one in Latin America producing sheets for the market using recyclable extruded thermoplastics with renewable natural fibers. With this feature, and using wood fiber in this case, the company significantly reduced environmental impact. The carbon footprint of the Ecofibra CF 1203 line achieved nearly a 54% reduction compared to traditional market solutions (which use 100% fossil-based raw materials).

The measurement was obtained through a new analysis tool—another Artecola innovation in the footwear sector—which indicates the total amount of GHGs (Greenhouse Gases) emitted from raw material extraction to the moment the product leaves the factory (Life Cycle Assessment methodology aligned with the GHG Protocol). In addition to these advantages, the product allows correction of component positioning during preforming of stitching (which competing materials do not allow), reducing waste, and provides improved structure in the heel counter (enhancing both comfort and footwear design).

Within the same technological line as Ecofibra CF 1203 are the Ecofibra Café laminates, developed using coffee waste as a renewable fiber. The product is being used in toe caps at the Concept Factory (Pavilion 3), with real-time application in the production of sneakers for adults and children. “This is another demonstration of the versatility of our lines, adapting laminate production to different natural fiber inputs, with a significant impact on our strategy to strengthen sustainable industrial practices,” highlights Market Manager Jairo Korndoerfer.

AWARD FOR SOLVENT-FREE STRAP BONDING – Strap bonding has historically been carried out in the footwear industry using solvent-based adhesives. The AFIX Artemelt PUR line (solvent-free), developed by Artecola, introduces a new possibility for strap turning: it provides superior bonding and results in more flexible and softer straps for flip-flops and sandals, offering greater comfort for consumers. The bonding efficiency even eliminates the need for auxiliary stitching, typically used to ensure fixation of narrower straps.

For the application of this new technology, Artecola and Imacal partnered to create a new bonding machine, much smaller and with fewer risks than machines used for solvent-based adhesives. The project received the 22nd FIMEC Launch Awards – IBTeC Innovation Award, presented Monday night. The PUR hot melt system ensures a drastic reduction of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the environment and improves the well-being of teams working in strap bonding (eliminating risks of accidents/fire during operation). Without the need for ovens, the new equipment operates at a more comfortable temperature for operators and enables energy savings. PUR technology is not classified as hazardous for transport and, due to an 80% lower volume compared to solvent-based adhesives, simplifies logistics and reduces storage space, lowering costs for customers.

THE COMPANY – Fundada em 1948, a Artecola produz soluções adesivas e lâminas termomoldáveis sustentáveis para uso industrial, profissional ou doméstico. A companhia multilatina — com plantas no Brasil, Chile, Colômbia, México e Peru, e presença em toda a América Latina — atua em diversos setores: calçados, agroindústria, automotivo, papel e embalagem, móveis, marcenaria e construção civil. Seu portfólio inclui adesivos aquosos, hot melt, silicones, selantes, PUR e tecnologias com biomateriais. A empresa se declara carbono neutro desde 2022 e mais de 70% de sua receita provém de produtos sustentáveis. Recentemente, obteve a Medalha de Prata da EcoVadis, reconhecimento internacional que avalia a sustentabilidade e as práticas ESG com base em padrões globais como o Pacto Global da ONU, a ISO 26000 e a Global Reporting Initiative. A Artecola também possui nível Diamante no programa Origem Sustentável. Mais informações em www.artecola.comwhere the annual Sustainability Report can be accessed in the “Artecola Sustainable” section.