[Integrated] BASF unveils new PU products at 2017 Milan Leather Machinery Show

The 2017 SIMAC International Leather Machinery Exhibition will be held in Milan, Italy, from February 21st to 23rd. The German chemical giant BASF will present its new products of the Elastopan® PU series and the Elastollan® TPU series at the halls G40 and H39 in Hall 14 to explore and broaden the application of PU and TPU products in the footwear industry.

Realize the transition from design concept to product presentation

For 10 years, BASF and the prestigious Politecnico Calzaturiero Footwear Design and Technology Institute in Padua, Italy, have always been committed to the pursuit of design freedom, constantly seeking innovation and breakthroughs in materials and processes to promote the development of products and industries. The polyurethane material is the pioneer of this trend, and its outstanding performance in the field of high-end customization of luxury goods really shines.

The challenge they face this time is to design unisex sports shoes based on a brand new sole, the theme of which is “Time Fusion”. The future generation will be a generation that blends art, music, culture and various lifestyles. Only the sports shoes that cater to this trend and embody it can win from the fierce competition. The PU and TPU shoe materials exhibited by BASF will play a crucial role.

Technical breakthroughs in shoe materials, tailored to the design

At the beginning of the project, BASF focused on “lighter, more comfortable and better hydrolysis resistance”. In addition to providing corresponding materials as required, the Group also provides customers with the necessary technical support at all stages of the project. At the laboratory in Villanova, Italy, BASF has conducted rigorous testing of its hardness, wear resistance and insulation properties to ensure that it meets customer needs. The Group’s deep accumulation in shoe materials and its R&D and development in applications have laid a solid foundation for the emergence of new types of soles.

Among BASF's many exhibits, the Elastopan® LightSports PU series has helped the Hummer Ignite series of shoes shine in the market with its outstanding lightness, cushioning, high resiliency and resistance to hydrolysis. As for Infinergy® series TPU products, because it can maintain high resilience after a long period of use, it is ideal for midsole materials in protective footwear. The same applies to the safety shoe soles are the Elastopan® LightSafe series of PU products, lightweight and antistatic properties are the two major characteristics of this material.