Partners demonstrate coatings’ potential
Textiles technology group Huafeng has created what it calls “more sustainably made athletic shoes and shorts” for a team competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October, using a partly bio-based polyurethane (PU) dispersion from Covestro and Huafeng’s Haptic textile coating system.
Fabrics for the garments and shoes are made by Huafeng based on Cyclone recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yarns derived from post-consumer plastic bottles.
The shoe upper material is made of 100% Cyclone rPET, while the shorts consist of 86% Cyclone rPET and 14% spandex for a comfortable fit.
Huafeng claims the Haptic Art textile coating system used for the shoes improves mechanical performance and reduces production-related emissions. Thanks to its high solids content and thixotropic properties, the system allows manufacturers to achieve a high coating thickness, making it suitable for coatings with detailed images and 3D effects on both clothing and footwear.
In recognition of its mechanical properties, Huafeng’s ink coating system recently received the ISPO Best Product Award.
Dr Thomas Schmidt, director of innovation and creation at Huafeng, said: "Haptic Art ink represents an important expansion of our aesthetic coating capabilities, offering exceptional design versatility along with substantial environmental benefits. For example, the new Team Sonnenwagen shoes deliver savings of 260 g CO2e per pair compared to conventionally manufactured sports shoes. We look forward to developing even more sustainable solutions that help drive the future of textile coating."
