A fastening element (100) comprising (a) a non load bearing core (110) the non load bearing core comprising a first biocompatible polymer； (b) a load bearing sheath (120) the load bearing sheath comprising a second biocompatible polymer wherein the load bearing sheath surrounds the non load bearing core. The fastening element can be used as a suture shoe lace or rope. The non load bearing core has a Durometer Hardness Type A value ranging from 15 to 30. The load bearing sheath is formed from a plurality of yarns each yarn comprising a plurality of filaments in form of mono or multifilament of the second biocompatible polymer. Each yarn may have a tenacity at break value ranging from 30 cN/dtex to 45 cN/dtex.
