PU developments from BASF to go on show at Simac
Chemicals group BASF said it would present new materials, concepts and recycling methods for polyurethanes at footwear technology exhibition Simac, which takes place in Milan from September 23-25.
It said the concept of meltable PU is “an essential step forward” in making footwear materials more sustainable. It said bottom units, upper parts or even complete shoes made of meltable PU or combinations of TPU and PU would work well in mechanical recycling operations.
Among the materials BASF has on show at Simac will be its new TPU Elastollan RC, which has up to 100% recycled content and can be used as a raw material for new shoe parts.
It explained that, by using depolymerisation, both post-industrial and post-consumer footwear waste can be incorporated into new polyurethane soles. Alternatively, a chemical recycling technique it has developed enables it to achieve up to 100% attributed recycled feedstock by using end-of-life tyres or mixed plastic waste.
Its Elastopan SpringPURe PUs will also be on show. BASF describes these materials as being light but tough (see image). They feature low density without sacrificing durability or performance.
