TPEs | MATERIALS
Bouncing back: latest in TPEs
Recent TPE innovations include a material for fatty food contact, several new grades for automotive sealing and new technologies for high-performance running shoes
Elastomers are used across the spectrum of industry, including food, automotive and footwear. BASF presented polyurethane and thermoplas- tic polyurethane (TPU) solutions for footwear at this year’s Simac show in Italy.
One highlight was how its Elastopan SpringPure is used for midsoles. Together with Gusbi, BASF has automated classical heat press technology for high-quality, lightweight midsoles. The result combines low density, design freedom and comfort with almost waste-free processing, it says. The SpringPure portfolio offers low density without compromising the durability or perfor- mance expected from polyurethane – with solu- tions based on both polyether and polyester. The portfolio also includes systems compatible with CO2-based blowing technologies, enabling even lower densities for lightweight footwear. Separately, with Desma, BASF presented a closed-loop concept combining PU and TPU, linking mechanical and chemical recycling tech- nologies and debonding-on-demand of material components. Three concept shoes – a monomate- rial sandal, a sneaker and a men’s shoe – illustrate the recycling routes for PU and TPU systems. “We offer meltable PU and TPU that don’t end up as waste but can be recovered, recycled and
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reused in the production of new shoes,”, said Felix Willenbrink, marketing manager for footwear, sports and leisure at BASF. BASF also introduced a new processing ap-
proach for its Infinergy expanded TPU. Based on an energy-efficient heat press process, the technology enables the production of lightweight, high-perfor- mance components while maintaining comfort, durability and energy return. Infinergy Revolution offers manufacturers more design freedom, new surface textures and enhanced processing flexibil- ity, says BASF. For outsoles, Elastollan GripTec combines high-performance TPU technology with greater sustainability and design freedom, it says. Engi- neered to deliver better traction and abrasion resistance, it offers an alternative to conventional outsole materials. BASF also ran a design contest for students at
the Politecnico Calzaturiero, to combine an Elastopan SpringPure midsole (white) with an Elastollan TPU outsole (dark and light grey).
Running the show Norda has launched the 055, a running shoe that uses Arnitel thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC) midsole technology from Envalior.
Main image: Norda’s 055 trail running shoe has an Arnitel midsole from Envalior
� September/October 2026 | INJECTION WORLD 23
IMAGE: NORDA
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