Lubrizol Launches 100% TPU Concept Shoes to Promote 'Circular Economy'

September 23, 2021 – Lubrizol Engineered Polymers officially unveils the 100% TPU concept shoe
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The 100% TPU concept shoe not only meets the shoe material industry's demand for high-performance products, but also demonstrates its ability to further reduce carbon emissions by promoting a "circular economy" by improving recyclability and reducing waste in the production process Abandoned ultimate goal
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As we all know, the incineration of waste shoes and industrial waste from non-recyclable materials will increase carbon emissions in the atmosphere, thus prompting the entire industry to put forward higher requirements for sustainable development
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By partnering with Lubrizol, shoe material manufacturers can now offer their customers solutions that are both high-performance and recyclable
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Efficient production for responsible consumption

Unlike footwear products that use "hybrid materials," Lubrizol's proprietary thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) portfolio can be applied to all parts of the shoe material, providing a more "recyclable" solution for the shoe material industry scheme
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This concept shoe uses Esdex™ TPU for the upper yarn to keep the footwear structure lightweight and beautiful; BounCell-X™ low-density, plasticizer-free, recyclable thermoplastic foam for high cushioning performance ; and ESTANE® TRX TPU as a functional replacement for the rubber outsole
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Lubrizol's TPU material can simplify the production process by improving the compatibility between different parts, and can realize "in-mold integral molding" of sole components, effectively improving the degree of automation and efficiency, while reducing multiple glues Environment is more friendly
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At the same time, shoe material manufacturers can recycle and reuse excess waste during the production process; and through the grinding of recycled old shoes, the material can be used in new products, so as to achieve "zero waste" in production and "full after use" in the future.
Recycle"*
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bio-based technology

This 100% TPU concept shoe features the flagship product in Lubrizol's Bio-based Bio™ TPU family – ESTANE® ECO TPU
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ESTANE ECO TPU is extracted from plants, in addition to having the same excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and hydrolysis resistance as traditional petroleum-based TPU, the density is reduced by about 5% ~ 10%, which can realize the lightweight and high performance of sports shoe materials.
performance requirements
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Based on its high light transmittance, high resistance to yellowing, and good compatibility with other materials, bio-based TPU can also bring a better appearance to shoe materials
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Close cooperation with industry-leading processors

Notably, many of the components in Lubrizol's 100% TPU concept shoe represent the fruit of a collaborative effort between Lubrizol and industry-leading processors
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Lubrizol believes this partnership-driven approach will allow us to innovate faster, solutions more reliable, and better suited to market needs
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Today, there is a global consensus on the importance of "environmental protection and sustainable development"
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Lubrizol's innovative solutions are designed to support the upgrade and development of the global shoe industry by providing more environmentally friendly materials and deeper custom processing, and ultimately achieve the goal of "sustainable development"
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* "Recyclability" is based on existing recycling program standards that support such materials
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Product may not be available in all regions
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Nothing contained herein should be construed as a license, recommendation, or incentive to practice any patented invention without the permission of the patentee
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