Huntsman Introduces AVALON® GECKO TPU For Shoe Grip

Huntsman has created a novel collection of high-performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the footwear industry that presents revolutionary opportunities for soling applications.

The AVALON® GECKO TPU portfolio is a collection of products that have been designed with circularity in mind and boast exceptional durability and grip. The product line is specifically designed for high-performance soling applications. It includes an extrudable grade that can be foamed to create ultra-thin outsoles and a product that can be used to create a super soft, extremely low-density material with a distinctive touch and feel. The AVALON® GECKO TPU product line, which draws inspiration from Geckos' exceptional grip, offers slip performance that is comparable to rubber in both wet and dry conditions. The new GECKO TPU portfolio offers a selection of products that are both highly durable and possess exceptional abrasion resistance, making them an excellent choice for outsoles in safety shoes, hiking, and running.

Huntsman has created three grades of AVALON® GECKO TPU to guarantee its customers the utmost design and production versatility: AVALON® 6044 AG is an injectable, opaque grade that is well-suited for safety shoes. Avalon® 6053 AG is a transparent, extrusion-grade product that is specifically designed for use in running applications. AVALON® 6055 AG is a transparent, injectable grade that provides exceptional wet slip performance. The GECKO grade AVALON® 6053 AG TPU, which is extrudable, is a significant advancement in the field of footwear. It allows for the development of outsoles that are up to 50% lighter and thinner than traditional outsoles while maintaining the same level of quality, performance, and durability.

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.”

Source: Huntsman International LLC.