EVERBERG, Belgium — February 13, 2017 — Polyurethane experts from Huntsman have developed two brand new soling solutions for the footwear industry, which will be officially launched at SIMAC in Milan at the end of February.
The two materials — DALTOPED® Lite ENERGY and Daltoped X-Lite — are designed to fill the performance gap between conventional polyurethane and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (e-TPU) soling systems.
Providing a viable alternative for footwear manufacturers looking to substitute ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or upgrade the rebound and elasticity properties achieved by existing polyurethane soling materials, the materials offer new levels of comfort, performance and durability, plus improved dynamism even at low molding densities.
Both materials are ideal for the creation of unit soles and midsoles but are suitable for use in almost all footwear applications.
Daltoped Lite ENERGY, the only PU product of its kind currently available, is a lightweight polyurethane soling solution with dynamic energy return capabilities and a density range of 300-350 kg/m3. Super responsive, it provides high rebound and long lasting cushioning capabilities that respond to every stride. Helping to put less strain on the body and with the potential to offer miles of comfort, Daltoped Lite ENERGY is ideal for the production of midsoles for sports footwear and single density soles for athleisure shoes — typically worn during workouts but also as comfortable casual wear.
Huntsman’s Daltoped X-Lite technology combines the low density needed to make shoes more comfortable — 350 kilograms per cubic meter — with excellent mechanical and robust processing properties. This cost effective polyether material has good flexural strength and abrasion resistance, and is ideal for producing unit soles for high quality casual and children’s footwear, as well as mid soles and slippers.
Both Daltoped Lite ENERGY and Daltoped X-Lite are available in a wide range of color options, are easy to process and can reduce energy consumption in sole production. They are also compatible with standard PU machinery and automated processes — meaning no additional capital outlay is required to switch to the new materials.
Johan Van Dyck, Technical Manager at Huntsman, said: “The development of our Daltoped Lite ENERGY and Daltoped X-Lite technologies underscores our continuing commitment to the footwear industry and serves as a reminder of our track record for pioneering revolutionary polyurethane materials. Wholly committed to helping footwear manufacturers stay one step ahead, we are developing materials that can help address future megatrends in consumer products.”
Huntsman’s footwear experts will be at SIMAC in Milan, Italy, from 21 to 23 February 2017. Visit the team at SIMAC at booth C41 in hall 14 to discuss the latest polyurethane materials available to the footwear industry and how they can help manufacturers differentiate their designs and stand out from the crowd without compromising quality.
Posted February 13, 2017
Source: Huntsman Corp.
