Huntsman Launches Liquid Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Footwear

Huntsman Launches Liquid Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Footwear Huntsman has developed a liquid thermoplastic polyurethane (LTPU) that enables rapid production of high-performance midsoles. This advancement aligns with circular economy targets of sports footwear manufacturers. Huntsman has partnered with framas Group to bring this premium, lightweight product to market. Prepared to collaborate with brands on sampling and order fulfillment, framas has the capacity to produce up to two million midsole constructions annually using this material. The SMARTLITE® O LTPU system is easier to use compared to expanded TPU foams that require complex procedures such as supercritical foaming and steam molding. It can be processed in a single stage using significantly less water and energy, generating less waste and carbon emissions. Most importantly, Huntsman's SMARTLITE® O LTPU system can be converted into new materials and reused in industrial or post-consumer form. Huntsman's SMARTLITE® O LTPU system offers numerous significant advantages: The SMARTLITE® O LTPU system processed on low-pressure casting machines is simple to use, scalable, and can help streamline footwear production. With in-situ polymerization, adhesive-free bonding of midsoles to TPU outsoles, and fast demolding rates, cycle times for the SMARTLITE® O LTPU system are short. Additionally, with a density of 250 kg/m3, Huntsman's SMARTLITE® O LTPU system enables production of superior, hydrolysis-resistant midsoles that provide long-lasting underfoot cushioning comfort with over 50% recovery. The SMARTLITE® O LTPU system is an ideal solution for brands seeking to use circular midsole materials and reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing processes without compromising performance and quality. Supporting circular economy initiatives, SMARTLITE® O LTPU—comprising midsole and TPU outsole—can be mechanically reused if proper reprocessing infrastructure is available. For example, manufacturers can create new outsoles and insoles by blending post-consumer recycled SMARTLITE® O LTPU content with virgin TPU. Huntsman is also capable of producing bio-based versions of the material. The SMARTLITE® O LTPU system also presents creative opportunities for footwear designers, providing advanced surface definition without silver streaks or popcorn effect. Additionally, coloring and adding striking fading effects are straightforward with this system. Alexis Bortoluzzi, Senior Director of Huntsman Global Elastomers, stated: "The SMARTLITE® O LTPU system offers a clear path for footwear brands pursuing circularity and seeking to reduce carbon footprint. The material stands out competitively by offering numerous advantages compared to PU, ETPU, and EVA. A number of major brands have already expressed strong interest in this technology, and we look forward to working with framas to bring the material and all its benefits to market." Source