BASF has collaborated with Chinese sports brand Li-Ning to create a fully recyclable shoe concept made solely from its Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane materials. The shoe is being shown at the Chinaplas exhibition.

The upper is made from Elastollan Freeflex TPU, with good abrasion resistance, in combination with high temperature Elastollan film. This film adheres well to fabrics, has good resistance to washing, and a variety of surface effects are possible. The laces are also made from Freeflex.

The TPU midsole and insole provide shock absorption, high rebound and flexibility, in combination with resistance to hydrolysis and abrasion. The outsole, meanwhile, is made from a low-hardness grade Elastollan, with good resistance to abrasion, and a high-grip tread pattern to maximise surface contact and enhance traction. Finally, injection-grade Elastollan is used for decoration and support.

“The partnership between Li-Ning and BASF demonstrates how we can create a win-win situation to attain the business and sustainability goals of the footwear segment,” said Marilyn Lye, BASF’s VP for performance materials in the Asia Pacific region. “The advanced technologies and recycling materials that we bring to the concept shoes are good examples to show to the entire footwear production value chain advancing in its sustainability journey.”

Source: BASF