BASF at SIMAC 2025: Recycling meets Performance – PU solutions for the future of footwear

The new sustainable material developments and recycling methods for the footwear industry will be presented at BASF, hall 10, G56/H55.

Circularity is more than an option

Circular economy is one of the major topics in all industries. The concept of meltable PU is an essential step forward towards a circular future of footwear: Bottom units, upper parts or even complete shoes made of meltable PU or combinations of TPU and PU are ready for mechanical recycling concepts. The new TPU Elastollan® RC with up to 100% recycled content can be used as a raw material for new shoe parts. Alongside this concept, we are unveiling further strategies for circularity: by utilizing depolymerization, both post-industrial and post-consumer footwear waste can be incorporated into new polyurethane shoe soles. Alternatively, ChemCycling® enables us to achieve up to 100% attributed recycled feedstock by utilizing end-of-life tires or mixed plastic waste.

Get the spring vibes with the new Elastopan®SpringPURe

Imagine a PU that’s as light as a spring breeze but tough enough to handle any adventure—welcome to the SpringPURe portfolio! These products feature low density without sacrificing durability and performance you expect from polyurethane. Whether you’re after the bouncy flexibility of polyether-based materials or the easy processing of polyester-based options (perfect for top-tier safety shoes), SpringPURe has it all. We support all the latest production methods, from classic casting to direct injection. Our collaboration with Stemma S.R.L. brings together our SpringPURe material advances with Stemma's NUCLEOOS technology, a hybrid technology for chemical-physical foaming. Together, we create lighter midsoles with outstanding style and performance, seamlessly integrating into existing polyurethane molding processes.

Next-Gen footwear: Merging automated manufacturing with cutting-edge materials

Experience the next level of automated footwear creation with our collaboration alongside Desma Schuhmaschinen GmbH. Together, we’re rethinking design flexibility and enhancing lightweight comfort—showcasing concepts such as direct soling with Elastopan®SpringPURe lightweight midsoles combined with robust Elastollan® TPU film outsoles. Explore the possibilities of fully automated PU processing, paired with the dynamic elasticity of Infinergy®, resulting in exceptional midsoles crafted in a single step. The classic "Detonate" cupsole concept brings tradition into the future, utilizing foamed TPU to achieve adaptable densities and superior performance. Meanwhile, Desma’s cutting-edge SCF machine streamlines production to deliver ultra-light Infinergy® midsoles with outstanding elasticity and energy return.

Visit BASF at Simac 2025, hall 10, booth G56/H55