Performance Polymers
Elastopan®: All-Round Polyurethane (PU) Solution for Footwear
Elastopan® is a polyurethane (PU) system developed by BASF for the production of high-performance footwear components such as insoles, midsoles, outsoles, and complete bottom units. It enables lightweight, durable, and flexible shoe designs for applications ranging from safety footwear to sports and casual shoes.
Elastopan® systems are tailored polyurethane foam solutions compatible with casting and direct injection processes. They support efficient manufacturing while delivering excellent mechanical and physical properties for modern footwear design.
What can Elastopan® polyurethane foam systems do for footwear?
A decisive factor for synergy between the shoes and the feet is the appropriate choice of materials.
Elastopan® systems provide a virtually unlimited freedom in terms of design, color and texture, simple handling and processing paired with excellent physical properties like flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resistance, durability and low density.
Elastopan® systems are available as polyester and polyether-based systems.
What shoe parts can be done with Elastopan® polyurethane foam systems?
Elastopan® is primarily the “comfort and performance engine” of a shoe-enabling cushioning, durability, and ergonomics in insoles, midsoles, outsoles, and complete bottom units.
What kinds of shoes benefit from polyurethane foam systems?
How do shoemakers integrate sustainability and innovation in their collection?
FAQ
Q: What is Elastopan® used for?
Elastopan® is used to produce polyurethane components for footwear, including insoles, midsoles, and outsoles.
Q: Is Elastopan® suitable for safety footwear?
Yes, Elastopan® is widely used in safety shoes due to its durability, cushioning, and resistance properties.
Q: What are the benefits of Elastopan® in footwear?
Elastopan® (PU) offers a combination of flexibility, low weight, durability, and resistance to abrasion and hydrolysis.
Q: Can Elastopan® support sustainable footwear development?
Yes, BASF provides solutions such as Elastopan® Loop that enable circularity and the use of recycled materials in polyurethane systems.
Q: What is a PU system for footwear?
A polyurethane (PU) system is a combination of liquid components that react together to form a foam used in shoe soles: insoles, midsoles and outsoles.
Q: Why do footwear manufacturers use PU systems?
Polyurethane systems help combine comfort, durability, and flexibility in a single material solution.
Q: Can PU systems be customized for different shoes?
Polyurethane systems can be customized on density, hardness, or elasticity to match applications like sports shoes, casual shoes, or safety footwear.