In Germany, BASF presented the newest material developments targeted specifically on manufacturing optimized shanks for shoes but with more sustainable and biobased materials than the usual glass fiber-reinforced polyamide.
BASF created a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as an alternative. The new Elastollan R series from BASF exhibits the stiffness of alternative materials and absorbs hardly any moisture. Benefits: It adheres very well to PUR while a time-consuming and costly surface treatment is no longer needed.
Manufacturing sustainable shoe components is a goal to which the Spanish company Analco is committed. The years-long partnership between BASF and Analco also bore fruit for the latest initiative: With its Elastopan Green (PUR) and Elastollan N (TPU), BASF was able to offer products manufactured from up to 50 % bio-based renewable raw materials – certified by ASTM D 6866-12. At the same time, it should be noted that these are not obtained from agricultural products, and thus do not reduce acreage used for food production.