Huntsman adds new SMARTLITE® SCF 280 TPU to footwear portfolio using supercritical foam technology

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New gas injected TPU midsole foam developed to deliver extra softness, comfort and durability

Huntsman, one of the leading polyurethane solutions providers to the footwear industry, today announced the development of a new supercritical foam (SCF) technology that can deliver a combination of lightweight cushioning, comfort and durability for sports and lifestyle footwear – while supporting manufacturers’ automation objectives. SMARTLITE® SCF 280 TPU is the latest product in a wider portfolio of SCF midsole technologies that includes SMARTLITE® SCF 285 TPU, which launched in 2024.

SMARTLITE® SCF 280 will be officially unveiled at SIMAC (23rd September) and is expected to be as popular as SMARTLITE® SCF 285, which is being widely used by several well-known global footwear brands.

Across the footwear industry, supercritical foam is growing in popularity. Key players in the value chain are investing heavily in the technology as an alternative to ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) because of its ability to deliver lightweight, responsive cushioning with consistent performance. At the same time, SCF systems – which can be used in conjunction with direct injection processes – can help support sustainability through more efficient production, less waste, and recyclable potential.

Huntsman’s new SMARTLITE® SCF 280 technology is softer than SMARTLITE® SCF 285. Developed for use as a midsole for lifestyle / casual sneakers and running shoes, the material can help:

  • Reduce overall shoe weight without sacrificing support (density = 0.17 to 0.22)
  • Support automation – the material’s consistency allows reliable, cost-effective manufacturing
  • Deliver reactive cushioning with up to 64% rebound to support athletic performance
  • Improve durability and hydrolysis resistance offering miles of everyday comfort
  • Support circularity – the material can be mechanically recycled and reused*.

Huntsman’s SMARTLITE® SCF midsole technologies are optimized for co-molding with AVALON® GECKO TPU, an outsole technology launched in 2024, which offers comparable slip performance to rubber in both wet and dry conditions.

Stephane Peysson, Global Business Development Manager at Huntsman, said: “Footwear brands are constantly searching for new ways to balance comfort, performance, and sustainability. Our SMARTLITE® SCF technologies deliver on all three fronts – offering an advanced platform aligned with design, automation and environmental needs. Supporting the shift to automated footwear manufacturing, this range provides a simple, easy to process, fast soling solution that generates less waste – without compromising performance. Put together with our AVALON® GECKO TPU products, these products provide a full soling solution – giving us a strong point of differentiation in the highly competitive footwear market.”

Footnote:
*Assuming end of life take-back programs are in place (footnote).

About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2024 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,300 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website: www.huntsman.com.

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