Huntsman Launches New TPU for Footwear Industry
The new AVALON® GECKO TPU series comprises a range of products designed for superior grip and durability and developed with a focus on sustainability.
Huntsman has developed a series of innovative, high-performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials that offer new possibilities in sole applications for the footwear industry. The AVALON® GECKO TPU product group, which features top-tier grip and durability, presents a range of products developed with circularity in mind. The product portfolio, specially engineered for use in high-performance sole applications, includes an extrudable grade for creating ultra-thin outsoles and a foamable product that produces a very low-density, super-soft material with a unique touch and feel.
Inspired by geckos' extraordinary gripping ability, products in the AVALON® GECKO TPU portfolio deliver slip performance comparable to rubber in both wet and dry conditions. The new GECKO TPU portfolio, an ideal choice for outsoles of running, walking and safety shoes, contains extremely durable products that offer top-tier abrasion resistance despite being soft (Shore 60-65A).
Huntsman has developed three grades of AVALON® GECKO TPU to help customers achieve the highest level of design and manufacturing versatility:
- AVALON® 6044 AG - an opaque, injectable grade ideal for safety shoes
- AVALON® 6053 AG - a transparent, extrusion grade optimized for running applications
- AVALON® 6055 AG - a transparent, injectable grade for outstanding wet slip performance.
The extrudable GECKO grade AVALON® 6053 AG TPU enables the creation of outsoles up to 50% thinner and lighter compared to conventional outsoles without compromising quality, performance or durability. The injectable AVALON® 6044 AG grade was developed to offer fast cycle times for improved productivity. Additionally, the AVALON® GECKO TPU product group offers adhesive-free bonding when paired with other TPU midsole materials and is mechanically recyclable with minimal impact on material performance thanks to its compatibility. They can also be easily colored and engineered to create different textures and surface finishes.
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