Key Highlights:
- Huntsman has developed a new range of innovative, high-performing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the footwear industry that offer new possibilities for soling applications.
- The new AVALON GECKO TPU portfolio offers a series of products that have exceptional grip and durability and have been developed with circularity in mind.
- Huntsman developed three grades of AVALON GECKO TPU: AVALON 6044 AG – an opaque, injectable grade, AVALON 6053 AG - a transparent, extrusion grade and AVALON 6055 AG -transparent, injectable grade.
Huntsman
Huntsman has developed a new range of innovative, high-performing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the footwear industry that offer new possibilities for soling applications. The new AVALON GECKO TPU portfolio offers a series of products that have exceptional grip and durability and have been developed with circularity in mind. Tailor made for use in high performance soling applications, the range includes an extrudable grade for creating super thin outsoles and a product that can be foamed to produce a very low density and super soft material with a unique touch and feel.
Huntsman
Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary grip of geckos, products in the AVALON GECKO TPU portfolio offer comparable slip performance to rubber in both wet and dry conditions. A great choice for outsoles for running, hiking and safety shoes, the new GECKO TPU portfolio contains products that are soft (shore 60-65A) yet highly durable with excellent abrasion resistance.
To help ensure ultimate design and production versatility for its customers, Huntsman has developed three grades of AVALON GECKO TPU:
- AVALON 6044 AG – an opaque, injectable grade that is ideal for safety shoes
- AVALON 6053 AG – a transparent, extrusion grade optimised for running applications
- AVALON 6055 AG – a transparent, injectable grade for exceptional wet slip performance.
The extrudable GECKO grade, AVALON 6053 AG TPU represents a major step forward in footwear – enabling the creation of outsoles that are up to 50% thinner and lighter than conventional outsoles, without compromising quality, performance or durability. The injectable AVALON 6044 AG grade has been developed to offer fast cycle times for improved productivity.
In addition, all AVALON GECKO TPU grades offer adhesive-free bonding when paired with other TPU midsole materials and, thanks to their compatibility, can be mechanically recycled with minimal impact on material performance*. They can also be easily coloured and engineered to create different textures and surface finishes.
Matthew Canoy, global marketing director PU Elastomers at Huntsman, said: “The development of AVALON GECKO TPU represents a significant advancement towards achieving circular footwear. Developed to be dependable, durable, and with circularity in mind, AVALON GECKO TPU materials ensure that sustainability and high performance are in lock step with one another, with no compromises. The feedback we’ve received from customers that have tested AVALON GECKO TPU products has been incredibly positive. We are excited to launch the range and continue our conversations with footwear brands that want to get a gecko-like grip in their soling applications.”
AVALON GECKO TPU was officially launched at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon on August 28, 2024.
* Tests performed by Huntsman on outsoles produced using regranulated AVALON GECKO TPU showed no signs of degradation in performance. The ability to perform mechanical recycling is dependent on end of life take-back programs and a recycling ecosystem are in place.
*Assuming End of Life take-back programs and a recycling ecosystem are in place.