Under the campaign theme "Make the Move," BASF will present polyurethane and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions across the entire footwear life cycle at Simac Tanning Tech 2026 in Milan, Italy. Make the Move stands for moving footwear forward: from established manufacturing methods to new processing technologies, from linear products to circular concepts, shaping the future of footwear.

At SIMAC 2026, BASF will showcase innovative footwear solutions enabled by Elastopan® polyurethane systems and (e)TPU Elastollan® and Infinergy®. Through tangible applications developed with customers and partners, visitors can experience how advanced materials, processing innovations and recycling concepts come together in practice at BASF, hall 14, K24/L23.

Heat. Shape. Perform: Elastopan® SpringPURe — thermoformed midsoles

Together with Gusbi, BASF has advanced classical heat press technology into an automated process for high-quality, lightweight midsoles.  The result combines low density, design freedom and long-lasting comfort with easy, virtually waste-free processing.  The SpringPURe portfolio offers low density without compromising the durability and performance expected from polyurethane, with solutions based on both polyether and polyester technologies for a wide range of footwear applications. The portfolio also includes systems compatible with CO₂-based blowing technologies, enabling even lower densities for lightweight footwear.

Debond. Recycle. Reuse: Keep the material in the loop

Together with DESMA, BASF presents a closed-loop concept combining PU and TPU, linking mechanical and chemical recycling technologies and debonding-on-demand of material components. Three concept shoes — a monomaterial sandal, a sneaker and a men's shoe — illustrate the recycling routes for PU and TPU systems, showing that our footwear comes full circle. “We offer meltable PU and TPU that don’t end up as waste but can be recovered, recycled and reused in the production of new shoes, thus closing the footwear loop”, explains Felix Willenbrink, Marketing Manager Footwear, Sports and Leisure at BASF.

New processing technology unlocks the next chapter of Infinergy®

With Infinergy® Revolution, BASF introduced a new processing approach for its proven expanded TPU material Infinergy®. Based on an energy-efficient heat press process, the technology enables the production of lightweight, high-performance components while maintaining the outstanding comfort, durability and energy return for which Infinergy® is known. Infinergy® Revolution offers manufacturers greater design freedom, new surface textures and enhanced processing flexibility, while supporting more resource-efficient production and improved recyclability.

A grip that goes further: Elastollan® GripTec

For footwear outsoles, Elastollan® GripTec combines high-performance TPU technology with enhanced sustainability and design freedom. Engineered to deliver superior traction, abrasion resistance and long-lasting performance across diverse conditions, Elastollan® GripTec offers an attractive alternative to conventional outsole materials. The portfolio also enables greater design flexibility, from transparent to colored designs and complex geometries, while supporting efficient manufacturing processes and improved recyclability.

Culture in every step: The Design Contest

For the 20th time, BASF presents the results of the Footwear Design Contest run with Politecnico Calzaturiero. Inspired by the cultural impact of music and sneaker culture, the “Cultura” concept celebrates individuality, resilience and the courage to follow one’s own path. Combining an Elastopan® SpringPURe midsole (white) with an Elastollan® TPU outsole (dark and light grey), the winning designs demonstrate how advanced materials can bring bold creative ideas to life. The students have developed their projects in spring 2026, and the winning shoes will be showcased at the booth — accompanied by interviews with the winning students and designers. The realization of the winning designs was supported by our industry partners Co.Bo and Apego.

Step into the conversation: Our #FootwearTalks live at the booth bring together ideas, insights and inspiration for the future of footwear.

Throughout the fair, BASF’s #FootwearTalks will create a dedicated space for open exchange with partners, customers and industry experts directly at the booth. In short live sessions, BASF will highlight current footwear trends, new material concepts and practical approaches to circularity, while inviting visitors to discuss how collaboration across the value chain can turn ideas into scalable solutions for the next generation of footwear.

Visit us at Simac 2026, hall 14, booth K24/L23

Footwear

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 95,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division 

BASF’s Performance Materials division drives the transformation of the plastics industry by uniting sustainability with high performance. Our materials expertise, deep industry know-how, and broad product portfolio make us the preferred partner for comprehensive solutions across the plastics lifecycle. With dedicated material-focused teams, strong R&D power, and a global production network close to our customers, we deliver tailored offerings that meet regional and industry-specific needs. Our products enhance performance and efficiency in key sectors such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications. Together with our partners, we embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.4 billion.  

 

Source: basf.com

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