Trinseo’s (Berwyn, Pennsylvania / USA; www.trinseo.com) Italian business Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali (API, Mussolente; www.apiplastic.com) has developed a new expandable bio-based TPU for use in footwear applications. The global chemicals producers said “Apilon 52 Bio Light” is its first lightweight TPU made with bio-based content.

Giancarlo Busa, global market leader for footwear at API, said the product launch is another step towards Trinseo meeting its sustainability goals, and also strengthens the company’s product portfolio in luxury, athletic and professional footwear. “This is especially encouraging as we believe bio-based materials will become the de facto choice in luxury footwear by the year 2030,” he added.

Use of the material can reduce production cycle time by up to 60% compared with thermosetting materials such as EVA, cutting production costs and lowering energy consumption, said Trinseo. It is available with the in-house “Apicolor” colour masterbatch, allowing a wide range of tone options.

The development of Apilon 52 Bio Light follows the launch by API last year of a recyclable TPU that enables one-shot and glue-less production of footwear soles – see Plasteurope.com of 28.02.2019. API was acquired by Trinseo in 2017.