Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Shoes from Bio-PU Resin.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

SK chemicals and Partners Develop Trekking Shoes from Bio-PU Resin.

In light of global initiatives to combat climate change, domestic industries have joined forces to reduce carbon emissions in the outdoor industry.

SK chemicals, Dongsung Chemical, and BYN Black Yak announced on the 18th that they've developed sustainable footwear materials using the naturally-derived material "ECOTRION".They have applied them to Black Yak's "Trekking Shoes 343 MAX."

Consumers are attracted to the trekking shoes, launched as a new product this spring. This is because they satisfy both the high functionality required for outdoor activities and the value consumption trend for eco-friendly materials that reduce greenhouse gases.

Foot Pillow Cushioning Foam for Minimized Load on Ankle:

The three companies introduced this product after a year of collaboration. SK chemicals is the supplier of 100% bio-based polyol "ECOTRION," while Dongsung Chemical develops the bio-polyurethane resin "NEOPAN®" for footwear using this as a raw material. Utilizing this material, Black Yak produced the "Foot Pillow Cushioning Foam," which is applied to the heel support layer of the midsole to minimize loading on the ankle and knee joints.

The midsole of trekking shoes is a key component that determines the footwear’s weight and acts like a car’s suspension to provide the level of function. Cushioning is important because the midsole must absorb the impact on the body and ensure safe strides, even on rough terrain.

Dongsung Chemical's bio-polyurethane resin "NEOPAN®" for footwear maintains the high elasticity and flexibility of existing polyurethane resins. It uses bio-based raw materials, providing the shock absorption function of the "Foot Pillow Cushioning Foam."

ECOTRION, utilized in NEOPAN®, is an eco-friendly material that uses raw materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40% in comparison to conventional petrochemical raw materials. It is utilized in the production of spandex, artificial leather, and urethane elastic materials that are challenging to recycle. ECOTRION has one less carbon atom in its chemical structure compared to petrochemical materials. This gives it a helical-shaped polymer structure that enables the production of products with high elastic resilience, similar to a spring.

Customers Actively Seek Climate-friendly Products

Sustainability, which has become a material trend across all industries, is also emerging as a major topic in the outdoor industry. A presentation at the world's largest sporting goods fair, "ISPO Munich 2023," revealed that 38% of consumers indicated a willingness to change their brand if it incorporated climate-friendly elements. Manufacturers are also actively seeking materials that enhance sustainability.

Source: SK chemicals/omnexus.specialchem.com