Hong Kong materials supplier Texon (Wanchai; www.texon.com) said it has developed a new lightweight, recyclable and sustainable high-performance, non-woven material for shoe insoles. “Texon Ecoline” contains 85% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), is designed to be 100% recyclable, and is up to 32% lighter than similar materials but offers the same strength and performance as heavier substrates, the company said.

The company uses a special fusion-bonded process to enhance the internal bonding structure of the material's fibres, which are randomly arranged. Texon noted that the manufacturing method imbues the material with strength while retaining the thin, lightweight qualities required for insole applications. Production is said to require up to 50% less energy per square meter of material and less water and chemicals than other substrate production processes.

The material, offered in sheet form, is said to be suitable for most types of footwear and is designed for use in cemented and vulcanised constructions. It shows high sole-bond adhesion with neoprene and PU adhesives and excellent moisture absorption and dispersal qualities.