Covestro partners with Alpha to launch sustainable aliphatic ETPU for high-performance footwear

As a professional TPU resin and HDI supplier, Covestro provides high-performance HDI-based aliphatic ETPU materials to many leading sports shoe manufacturers and brands.

Alpha is a leading manufacturer of compounds and foam products that develops and produces elastomer-based foams and midsoles. In addition to its expertise in supercritical foaming processes, the company has developed high-performance, moldable thermoplastic polymer foam particles as well as direct-foamed midsoles.

In addition, Alpha also provides composite masterbatches that can be added to TPU materials. This product can be used in a technology called “Embryo Injection Foaming” through the injection molding process,
The TPU is first injection molded into a base mold, which is then fed into a reactor and foamed into the actual size model. This innovative technology improves midsole yields by improving consistency, reducing material waste and allowing design customization.

Alpha has good and close cooperative relationships with leading Chinese sports shoe brands such as Li Ning and Anta. Leveraging its expertise in chemistry and materials science, footwear midsole material research, and supercritical foaming technology and equipment, Alpha collaborates with a number of leading universities, particularly in research and development.

This collaboration brings together Covestro and Alpha’s experience in TPU material development and formulation, as well as expertise in compounding and foaming molding processes, to jointly develop a high-performance and sustainable aliphatic ETPU midsole solution. In addition, the materials and solutions help improve sustainability and functionality in the sports, leisure and footwear industries.

Combining functionality, design and comfort

Aliphatic ETPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane known for its high performance. It is vital in the footwear industry due to its durability, flexibility and ability to provide superior midsole performance.

In addition, important properties such as ultra-high rebound, high tear strength and low compression permanent are some of the key advantages aliphatic ETPU offers to manufacturers and consumers. The material offers superior durability, flexibility, shock absorption and energy return properties, thereby enhancing the performance and comfort of athletic and casual footwear.

Desmopan® CQ Series aliphatic ETPU is durable, stretchy, flexible, scratch-resistant and more sustainable, allowing manufacturers to create products with up to 38% bio-based content*, design freedom, and applications that combine function and comfort, bringing stylish footwear to athletes and consumers who choose sports, fashion or both.

*Biobased content refers to the biochar portion measured according to ASTM D6866.

Wilson Chen, Head of TPU Business Development Department of Covestro Asia Pacific Region
Chan said: “As the world’s leading TPU supplier, Covestro provides high-performance and more sustainable materials to most famous sports shoe brands. High quality, innovation and Covestro’s commitment to sustainability Not only has this ensured a long-term and close working relationship, but it has also won Covestro the trust of partners across the industry.”

AliphaticETPU for sustainable solutions

Covestro is committed to sustainable development, circular economy and solutions that promote environmental protection. Covestro’s goal is to continue developing products and solutions that push the limits of what is possible.

Depending on market demand, a new generation of sustainable solutions may be based on mass-balanced ETPU materials or even bio-based materials. Compared with materials such as PEBA and TPEE, which are currently widely used in midsole production, the renewable raw materials used in Covestro’s product portfolio not only help reduce the carbon footprint, but also maintain the performance of traditional aliphatic TPU.

As a result, the Desmopan® CQ range not only reduces the carbon footprint but also enables manufacturers to enhance their product portfolios without compromising on quality or performance.

Key advantages of Covestro AliphaticETPU