Basf has partnered with leading Chinese sports brand Li Ning to create a 100% recyclable Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) concept shoe.
With Elastollan, a high-performance material solution, the all-TPU concept offers design freedom. Not only is it lightweight and comfortable, but it also has excellent mechanical properties, including durability and non-slip:
Elastollan Freeflex™ series for vamps: The Freeflex™ TPU offers excellent adhesion to TPU films and midsoles, as well as excellent wear resistance.
High temperature film for upper shoes Elastollan: A high temperature film with good softness and adhesion to fabrics. It also has resistance to frosting, has good washable resistance, and can achieve various surface effects through different treatments.
Elastollan Freeflex™ Series shoelaces: The Freeflex™ TPU offers excellent elasticity, durability and anti-loosening effect.
Injected-grade Elastollan for trim and support: Available in a wide range of hardness options, Elastollan offers improved physical properties and machinability for greater design flexibility. At the same time, the combination of various material properties and high-performance shoe components complement each other and improve stability.
Elastollan for midsoles and insoles: When applied to midsoles, Elastollan offers excellent shock absorption, high resilience and flexibility. In addition, it has excellent hydrolysis resistance and wear resistance.
Low hardness grade Elastollan for outsole: offers excellent wear resistance and a high grip tread pattern to maximize surface contact and enhance traction.
Marilyn Lye, Vice President of BASF Functional Materials Asia Pacific, said: "The collaboration between Li Ning and BASF demonstrates how we can create a win-win situation to achieve our footwear business and sustainability goals. The advanced technology and recycled materials we bring to concept shoes are good examples to demonstrate to the entire footwear production value chain, moving forward in the journey of sustainability." Through this cooperation with BASF, Li Ning said that it is looking forward to providing professional product experience and sports experience for sports enthusiasts, while jointly exploring the feasibility of fully recyclable footwear. Li Ning has always pursued breakthroughs and innovations in the field of sports science and technology.
