In a first for the footwear industry, Huntsman has developed a liquid thermoplastic polyurethane (LTPU) that enables the rapid manufacture of high-performing midsoles and is aligned with the circularity ambitions of brands manufacturing sports and athleisure footwear.

Easier to use than expanded forms of TPU, which require complex procedures such as supercritical foaming and steam chest molding, SMARTLITE O LTPU system can be processed in a single step that uses significantly less water and energy and generates less waste and carbon emissions. Crucially, Huntsman’s SMARTLITE O LTPU system can also be converted and repurposed into new materials either in its post-industrial or post-consumer form.

Alexis Bortoluzzi, Senior Director Global Elastomers at Huntsman said: “For footwear brands pursuing circularity and looking to lower their carbon footprint, SMARTLITE® O LTPU system provides a very clear pathway. The material stands out from the competition, offering multiple advantages over and above PU, ETPU and EVA. A number of big brands have already expressed considerable interest in the technology, and we look forward to working with framas to bring the material and all its benefits to market.”

Andreas Quade, Executive Board Director, Innovation & Technology at framas, said: “Huntsman’s SMARTLITE O LTPU system is incredibly innovative. Helping to enable circular projects, it is a definitive step towards more environmentally friendly practices in the footwear industry. We’re excited by the interest the material has already generated and look forward to further discussions about the opportunities it presents.”