###### Abstract  
The leather industry is experiencing a significant rise in production, resulting in an increase in discarded materials-often classified as urban waste--that end up in landfills or are incinerated. Given the geographical proximity of the leather goods sector in Ubrique to the cork stopper manufacturing industry in El Puerto de Santa Maria /Jerez and to the viticulture sector in Jerez/Sanlicar/Chiclana, it is essential to explore synergies that can address environmental challenges by contemplating a circular economy approach. This study focuses on the existing potential of repurposing discarded materials, such as reinforcements and linings, by meticulously recording, classifying, and characterizing them. The aim is to valorize 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 as raw inputs, in combination with resins, to produce bottle stoppers for the high-end spirits industry. Findings indicate that a single company generates over six tons of textile waste per 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 economic saving of around EUR 750 per year was reached. In addition, a low-cost vacuum molding method was tested for producing stoppers, yielding aesthetically pleasing and durable prototypes. The application of a materials circularity index enabled the identification of optimal remnants for reintroduction into the production cycle. This re-integration not only reduces the reliance on virgin plastic materials, but also has the potential to significantly reduce the overall environmental impact across interconnected sectors. Ultimately, this study highlights the viability of adopting circular economy practices within the leather goods sector to promote sustainability and economic efficiency. title =  
sector dominating the market with a 65% share, while other types of leather products account for the remaining 35% of leather produced [2]. There are 9000 taneries worldwide, yet the end use of these materials is primarily within the leather goods sector [3]. According to the United Nations [4], every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of textiles is landfilled or incinerated. The European leather and related products industry is a significant player, encompassing approximately 36,000 companies, employing around 435,000 individuals, and generating a revenue of EUR 48 billion in 2021. Key applications for EU-produced leather include footwear (41%), leather goods (19%), furniture (17%), and the automotive industry (13%) [5]. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles [6] sets out a roadmap to guide the textile, leather, and footwear sectors towards a more modern, eco-friendly, and competitive production model. Beginning in 2025, European companies, particularly those involved in footwear, leather, and textile production, will be required to adhere to European directives on waste and the circular economy. These directives mandate the management of organic waste generated during production processes, rather than discarding it in landfills. The leather industry contributes to the recycling of waste from the meat industry. Leather production is the primary method for utilizing collagen-based biomaterials, with over 20 million cattle hides processed annually [7]. This makes leather a sustainably sourced raw material. Raw hides or skins undergo a series of mechanical and chemical processes, including hair removal, trimming, soaking, liming, fat liquoring, and tanning, to create durable and sustainable finished leather products. However, the widespread use of chromium(III) salts in tanning processes, employed by over 85% of the industry, poses environmental concerns [8; 9; 10].