Huntsman Polyurethanes has launched a new family of water-blown, high quality polyether systems to help European footwear manufacturers overcome forthcoming product legislation.

From July 2006, European legislation will outlaw the production of footwear soles that contain environmentally harmful fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFC). These commonly used physical blowing agents, which have proven ozone depleting characteristics, will no longer be available for use.
 

Huntsman’s now believes it has  devised an environmentally sound substitute to HFCs through water-blown technology.

Based on Huntsman’s established Suprasec prepolymers, the new products are suitable for use in the creation of unit soles, sockliners, and direct moulded footwear.

Huntsman Polyurethane’s footwear team has also developed a new elastomer that enables significant weight savings in the production of low density midsoles for use in industrial boots which can be processed on conventional direct-injection machinery.

Huntsman manufactures and markets differentiated and commodity chemicals for a variety of global industries including chemicals, plastics, textiles and footwear.