Overview of domestic and international manufacturers of nylon elastomers

The midsole is the engine of running shoes—and most directly determines their ultimate performance ceiling, especially in racing models. Tracing the evolution of midsole materials in competitive running shoes: from the now-obsolete EVA, to the long-dominant E-TPU, and today’s highly sought-after PEBA nylon elastomer. Clearly, sportswear brands are now shifting focus toward materials with superior rebound potential to comprehensively enhance cushioning, energy return, stability, and lightweight properties. Thanks to its exceptional characteristics—including ultra-low density, high strength, flexibility, durability, outstanding resilience, high impact resistance, low-temperature tolerance, breathability, and permanent antistatic properties—nylon elastomer is not only widely used in sports equipment, consumer electronics, waterproof apparel, and medical devices, but has also become the ‘chosen one’ for top-tier racing shoes, cementing its status as a star material in footwear applications. Expanding downstream application markets have spurred upstream material manufacturers to intensify R&D efforts and scale up production. However, due to high process complexity, substantial R&D investment, and steep entry barriers, the number of nylon elastomer producers remains relatively limited. Below is an overview of key manufacturers: I. Arkema Arkema Group was established in October 2004 following the restructuring of the chemical business of its former parent company, Total Group, and went public in 2006. Its global headquarters is in Paris, France; its China headquarters is in Shanghai. The Chinese market holds pivotal importance for Arkema Group—ranking as its second-largest national market. Pebax® elastomers are polyether-block-amide (PEBA) copolymers composed of rigid polyamide segments and flexible polyether segments. By tailoring polymer composition, Arkema offers a broad portfolio of Pebax® elastomers tailored to diverse industrial applications. II. Evonik Evonik is a globally leading specialty chemicals company. Going beyond traditional chemistry, Evonik delivers innovative, growth-oriented, and sustainable solutions to its customers. Among its offerings, the VESTAMID® E series comprises polyamide 12-based elastomers (PEBA), synthesized from laurolactam and polyether diols (polyether-block-amides). III. Ube Industries Ube Industries is one of Japan’s major integrated chemical enterprises. Its UBESTA XPA is a nylon 12–based elastomer (polyamide elastomer).

2024 'SCIP+' Green Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

2024 'SCIP+' Green Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Registration Deadline: September 30, 2024 Launched in 2019, the 'SCIP+' Green Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has evolved into one of the industry’s most influential innovation and entrepreneurship events. Now entering its sixth year, the 2024 'SCIP+' Competition adopts the theme 'Green · Shape the Future,' focusing on three core domains—'Future Materials,' 'Future Energy,' and 'Future Environment'—to strengthen innovation leadership and advance green development across the sector. The competition features a dedicated 'Enterprise-Specified Challenge' track. Participants may submit project solutions or entrepreneurial implementation outcomes aligned with specific corporate innovation needs. Winning teams in this track will have opportunities for in-depth collaboration with sponsoring enterprises, enabling win-win partnerships. The Organizing Committee will progressively release challenge briefings provided by competition partners to help participants better understand enterprise requirements. Arkema Group Founded in 2004 and listed on the Euronext Paris exchange in 2006, Arkema leverages its unique expertise in materials science to deliver cutting-edge technologies meeting surging global demand for novel, sustainable materials. It operates three complementary, robust, and highly innovative specialty materials business lines: Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions. Arkema provides frontier technical solutions addressing critical global challenges—including new energy, water access, recycling, urbanization, and mobility—while fostering long-term dialogue with all stakeholders. In 2023, Arkema achieved annual sales of €9.5 billion, operating in approximately 55 countries with a workforce of 21,100 employees. Enterprise-Specified Challenge: Advanced material solutions aligned with sustainability trends and applicable to new energy, advanced electronics, or construction/building materials markets. Background: Arkema’s corporate mission is 'To be the leader in specialty materials, delivering the most innovative and sustainable solutions to meet our customers’ current and future challenges.' In pursuit of this mission, Arkema actively seeks collaboration with startups in the advanced materials field—whether through technological partnership or financial investment—with particular interest in applications for new energy, advanced electronics, and construction/building materials. Eligible Participants and Requirements The competition comprises two tracks: the 'Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track' and the 'Entrepreneurial Practice Track.' (I) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track Eligible Participants: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at universities and research institutes; full-time non-adult-education undergraduate and graduate alumni; young university faculty members; and young scientific/technical professionals employed by enterprises.

Arkema Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Stock Listing

May 18, 2026

Arkema marks its 20th anniversary since listing, transforming into a specialty materials leader with expanded battery material capacity in China. The company highlights innovation, acquisitions, and sustainability progress over two decades.

ccin

2025-10-23

Arkema continues decarbonization of Lacq/Mourenx site in France

2026-01-13

Arkema starts up transparent polyamide unit in Singapore

2026-01-15

Arkema Achieves ISCC Plus Certification for 70% of Coating Solutions Sites Worldwide

2026-03-16

Arkema to Increase PVDF Capacity in China

2026-05-06

France’s Arkema Q1 Net Income Falls by 34.4% Amid Lower Prices