Salomon chooses FENC’s midsole rPET 'breakthrough'
Taiwanese performance materials-maker Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) has launched what it claims is the first midsole material made from post-consumer PET bottles.
The thermoplastic polyester elastomer (rTPEE) combines environmental benefits with elasticity, cushioning and rebound, and has been used by French outdoor sports brand Salomon for its Solamphibian amphibious shoes.
The material has received strong market recognition, said FENC, with multiple sports brands in discussions to adopt it.
FENC has developed shoe uppers, laces, linings, insoles, shanks and toe cap adhesive made of recycled polyester (rPET), and midsoles from rTPEE which is based on rPET, advancing the concept of monomaterial design.
In addition, FENC has developed TopGreen AirTek PUtechnology, which uses industrially captured CO2 as a raw material to produce elastic materials. These can be applied in footwear, stretch fabrics and waterproof-breathable membranes.
