CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is excited to announce the launch of novel grades of ESTANE^® BCX TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for physical foam solutions, enhancing production efficiency, promoting circularity, and meeting high-performance demands. These brand new ESTANE BCX AM and BCX HS TPU solutions, developed in collaboration with leading machinery companies and foaming processors, are specially formulated for melt- and solid-state physical foaming processes and are based on both aromatic and aliphatic HDI TPU chemistries.

Physical foaming, an emerging technique that uses physical blowing agents like super critical fluid (SCF), offers environmentally friendly advantages compared to traditional chemical foaming while maintaining performance expectations. This method facilitates automated midsole production, streamlining the manufacturing process and providing consistent quality and performance. This advancement underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the footwear industry.

Depending on the foaming process used, midsoles made with the new ESTANE BCX TPUs achieve properties such as lighter weights at densities down to 0.12 g/cm3, vertical rebound up to 75%, improved energy return and long-term performance stability compared to market average performance foams. Balancing these properties in foams is necessary to provide optimal comfort and support for both athletes and everyday users.

The use of SCF blowing agent with the injection foaming process endows midsoles made with ESTANE BCX TPUs with significant reductions in environmental impact when compared to other TPU foaming processes. These midsoles are more easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and innovative performance features.

"The increasing adoption of physical foaming technology in the footwear market calls for more advanced thermoplastic materials solutions." said Justin Park, Lubrizol’s Global Director of Footwear. "Our new ESTANE BCX TPU products represent a remarkable advancement in footwear midsole design. Our broadened capabilities and collaboration with machinery companies and processors have enabled the value chain to deliver more innovations to the market.”

As a highly recognized and trusted TPU partner, Lubrizol works closely with leading footwear brands and manufacturers worldwide to drive advancements in performance, sustainability, and manufacturing process simplification. With new investments for foam application technology in its China and South Korea labs, Lubrizol will enhance innovation capabilities for more cutting-edge TPU solutions and speed-to-market agility that deliver more value to customers.

For more information about ESATANE BCX TPU solutions, our comprehensive footwear material capabilities, and how they can transform your product offerings, contact your Lubrizol account manager or visit https://www.lubrizol.com/Engineered-Polymers/Applications/Footwear-Solutions.

Lubrizol Launches Novel ESTANE BCX TPU Solutions for Physically Foamed Midsoles