For the first time in the footwear industry, Huntsman has developed a liquid thermoplastic polyurethane (LTPU) that enables the rapid manufacture of high-performance midsoles and meets the recycling goals of manufacturers of sports and casual footwear brands.
SMARTLITE®O
The LTPU system is easier to use than expanded TPU that requires complex procedures such as supercritical foaming and steam heating molding, and can be processed in one step, greatly reducing water and energy use, reducing waste and carbon emissions. Crucially, Huntsman’s SMARTLITE® O
The waste generated by the LTPU system in industrial production and post-consumption can be recycled.
SMARTLITE® O by Huntsman
The LTPU system will be officially unveiled on September 19, 2023 at SIMAC in Milan and the FDRA Footwear Sustainability Summit in Portland, Oregon. To launch this unique, lightweight product, Huntsman has joined forces with Framas Group. Framas is ready to work with brands to sample and fulfill orders, with the capacity to produce up to 2 million sole structures per year using the material.
SMARTLITE®O LTPUKey Benefits:
Easy to process: SMARTLITE® O
Processed on a low-pressure casting machine, the LTPU system is simple to use and scalable, helping to simplify footwear manufacturing. With in-situ polymerization, adhesive-free bonding of midsole to TPU outsole, and fast demoulding speed, SMARTLITE® O
The machining cycle time of the LTPU system is very short.
High performance: Huntsman’s SMARTLITE® O LTPU system has a density of 250 kg/m3, producing an excellent hydrolysis-resistant midsole that provides long-lasting cushioning comfort with a rebound rate of over 50%.
Cycle: SMARTLITE®O
The LTPU system is an ideal solution for brands looking to use recycled midsole materials and reduce the carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes without compromising performance or quality. To support the circular economy, if the right reprocessing infrastructure is in place, adopt SMARTLITE®
O LTPU midsole and TPU outsole soles can be recycled. For example, manufacturers can recycle post-industrial SMARTLITE® O
LTPU components are blended with original TPU to create a new outsole and cup sole. Huntsman can also make a bio-based version of the material.
Design freedom: For footwear designers, SMARTLITE®O
The LTPU system opens up new creative opportunities, providing enhanced surface clarity without silver lines or popcorn effects. It’s also easy to color and create eye-catching gradient effects.
Alexis Bortoluzzi, senior director of global elastomers at Huntsman, said: “For footwear brands pursuing circularity and looking to reduce their carbon footprint, SMARTLITE® O
LTPU systems provide a very clear path. The material stands out from the competition and offers several advantages over 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 this material and all its benefits to the market. ”
Andreas Quade, Executive Director of Innovation and Technology at Framas, said: “Huntsman’s SMARTLITE® O
The LTPU system is incredibly innovative. This contributes to circular projects and is an important step towards greener practices in the footwear industry. We are excited by the interest this material has already generated and look forward to further discussing the opportunities it presents. ”
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