Bayer MaterialScience develops 'Green Shoe' Concept

摘要

Integrated approach using Sustainable Materials and Innovative Technologies Bayer MaterialScience has developed a unique concept for a "green shoe" that uses a whole host of sustainable materials and technologies. These include polyurethane (PU) raw materials based on natural resources, products for solvent-free coatings and adhesives and a polycarbonate blend and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based on renewable reosurces. Up to 90 percent of all components in the "Ecotrekker" concept shoe can be given eco-compatible properties by using the company's products. This integrated concept from Bayer MaterialScience strongly reinforces the company's commitment to sustainable solutions and once again demonstrates its expertise in developing innovative technologies and materials. Footwear hnanufacturers end consumers and not least, the environment can all benefit equally from the concept. Global emissions of organic solvents could be reduced by approximately 150,000 metric tons annualy simply by using products and technologies developed in-house for solvent- and plasticizer-free textile coatings and adhesive raw materials. Another element of the green shoe concept are microcellular polyurethane elastomer systems for outer soles and midsoles alone, in which the proportion of renewable raw materials is as high as 70 percent. This high proportion makes Bayer MaterialScience the leading raw materials supplier for shoe sole manufacturing in the industry, a position supported by up to 40 percent renewable materials in the polycarbonate (PC) blend.