Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear
Innovative new approach closes the loop on scrap polyurethane (PU) - integrating it back into footwear
Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.
Polyurethane plays a vital role in enhancing comfort and protection in safety shoes – but managing the scrap generated during production can be a challenge. Utilizing its extensive footwear innovation capabilities, Huntsman’s latest solution transforms this challenge into an opportunity.
Together with safety shoe manufacturer Steitz Secura and an external partner, Huntsman has pioneered a way to introduce recycled PU into new shoe components using an innovative DALTOPED® PU system, which requires no changes to existing processing or chemistry workflows.
Crucially, Huntsman’s approach also successfully introduces recycled PU into new shoe components, while maintaining performance on a par with virgin materials.
Wolfgang Burkhard, Head of PUR at STEITZ SECURA, said: “By taking our own PU scrap and reusing it, we have been able to manufacture new midsoles containing 20% recycled content. Together with Huntsman and a technology partner, we have been working to push up this percentage and can now increase the recycled content of new midsoles up to 30%. It’s a tangible example of our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and to finding smarter, cleaner ways to make high-performance footwear.”
Alex Stepuk, Business Development Circularity Manager at Huntsman, said: “This project is a strong example of how agility, innovation, and partnership can drive more meaningful progress in sustainable manufacturing. From early development through to rollout, the collaboration with Steitz Secura was built on shared values, open communication, and a clear commitment to finding practical solutions that reduce environmental impact without adding complexity.”
Continuing, he said: “By working closely together, we’ve developed a scalable way to recover and repurpose valuable polyurethane material - helping to meet growing demand for circular, high-performance safety footwear with zero compromise on quality. It’s a great demonstration of what’s possible when like-minded partners come together with a clear vision and the determination to close the loop on waste.”
Huntsman’s solution has undergone rigorous development, validation, and industrial-scale trials with Steitz Secura, ensuring that safety, durability, comfort and performance are never compromised – even in the production of premium safety footwear.
Huntsman is a leading provider of polyurethane footwear systems, delivering a combination of technical know-how and advanced formulation expertise; proven experience in integrating recycled content into PU systems; and a strong ecosystem of partners committed to driving forward sustainable innovation.
For more information on this project or Huntsman’s sustainable footwear solutions, please contact:
Alternatively, for more information about Huntsman's footwear capabilities, go to:
https://www.huntsman.com/markets/footwear
And for more information about Steitz Secura, go to:
(ends)
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.
Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman
Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman’s operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.
While all the information and recommendations in this publication are to the best of our knowledge, information and belief accurate at the date of publication, NOTHING HEREIN IS TO BE CONSTRUED AS A WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR OTHERWISE. HUNTSMAN POLYURETHANES WARRANTS ONLY THAT ITS PRODUCTS MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS AGREED WITH THE BUYER IN THE SALES CONTRACT. TYPICAL PROPERTIES, WHERE STATED, ARE TO BE CONSIDERED AS REPRESENTATIVE OF CURRENT PRODUCTION AND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS SPECIFICATIONS. IN ALL CASES, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF SUCH INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE SUITABILITY OF ANY PRODUCT FOR ITS OWN PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The sale of products referred to in this publication is subject to the general terms and conditions of sale of Huntsman International LLC or of its affiliated companies.
DALTOPED® is a registered trademark of Huntsman International LLC or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.
© 2025. Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof. All rights reserved.