Page1P132/16e
News Release
February 16, 2016P132/16e
Jutta Schmidt
Phone: +49 621 60-42242
Meet us at SIMAC 2016,
Milan - Rho
February, 23-25, 2016,
hall 14, booth F 38 G 37
Lighter, softer, more flexible –
tailor-made footwear solutions from BASF at SIMAC
More energy for sports shoes with Elastopan® Light Sports
Next generation of safety shoes with Infinergy® and Elastopan® Light Safe
Art Connection –Winning shoe concepts from the design contest of Politecnico Calzaturiero 2015 in Padua
BASF will once again be present with its polyurethane experts at the 2016SIMAC International Exhibition of Machines and Technologies for Footwear and Leathergoods Industries in Milan (Rho). From February 23 to 25, trade show visitors have the possibility to see and discuss the latest developments of Elastopan® (PU systems), Elastollan® (TPU) as well as Infinergy® (E-TPU) for lighter, softer and more flexible solutions for the footwear industry at booth F 38 G 37 in hall 14.
Elastopan® Light Sports for high rebound midsoles
Specifically for the sports sector BASF developed a tailor-made polyether-based PU system - Elastopan® Light Sports. Its main features are lightness, excellent cushioning as well as high rebound and hydrolysis resistance. The material is already successfully deployed in Puma’s Ignite and the model Puma Ignite ProKnitis produced with Direct Injection Technology here in Europe.
Elastollan® Light
Elastollan® Light is a thermoplastic polyurethane mixed with blowing agent masterbatch which is used to manufacture particularly lightweight, high grade soles on a cost-efficientbasis by injection molding. Elastollan® Light is used in outsoles, midsoles or elements.
Infinergy® – for more comfort in safety shoes
The world’s first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) is now being used in safety shoes. The closed-cell, elastic particle foam features low density, high elasticity, high abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and good long-term durability over a wide temperature range (between – 20°C and + 40°C) along with good chemical resistance. The outstanding property of Infinergy® however, is its high resilience. Infinergy® does not lose its high resilience even with continuous use, making it the ideal material for midsoles in safety shoes.
Elastopan® Light Safe – lightand antistatic
With Elastopan® Light Safe, BASF offers another low-density system. This is a water-blown polyurethane and antistatic. Midsoles made of this new material are lighter than standard PU systems for midsoles in safety shoes and therefore provide greater comfort.
It can be used in combination with TPU or rubber outer soles to produce a dual-density sole that meets ISO standard EN20344:2011.
Footwear is Art
“Art Connection” was the theme for the ninth edition of the Design Contest promoted and organized by Politecnico Calzaturiero, the School of Footwear Design and Technology in Capriccio di Vigonza near Padua, in collaboration with BASF Italia. Unlike previous editions, a professional design studio, STEFANOdiFRANCESCO,created the sole by using PU systems and TPU and the students designed a unisex sneaker based on this sole, bringing together art and footwear. BASF will present the three winning shoes “The hidden side of art”, “Before I die wall” and “Amor” at its booth.
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About BASF’s Performance Materials Division
BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors - transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2014, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.5 bn.
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About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at