Dusseldorf, Germany — Huntsman has announced plans to launch a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the sports footwear market at K2016 next week.
On October 19, 2016, the firm will unveil its new ultra-lightweight, high cushioning, 100% recyclable material.
The material’s rebound properties are tuneable, said Huntsman, which means the TPU can create soling systems with improved energy return.
Huntsman’s global technology and innovation manager Anja Weismann said consumers “probably come into regular contact with some form of TPU.”
“The versatility of this material makes it incredibly popular… where form and function are closely intertwined and where materials must look good but must also be high performing.”
As part of its K2016 presentation, Huntsman will outline the “flexibility and soft touch feel” of the Avalon 85 AE TPU material used in wearable fitness trackers; the Avalon 95 AHT TPU used in football boot soling systems and its Irogran A 60 E 4902 TPU for the lamination of running and cycling tops where elasticity and soft feel are key.
The durability of Irogran A 85 E 4993 TPU, used by sports equipment manufacturers to create belting systems for treadmills will also be showcased.
The Huntsman team will be located at Stand A05 in Hall 5 for the duration of the event, which runs from 19 to 26 October.