API, an Italian company specialised in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bioplastics, has launched its new recyclable TPU Apilon 52 A/C-series at a recent industry show in Milan. API furthers that the new lightweight footwear solution of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials offers an outstanding combination of soft touch, aesthetics and lightness, and a very high thermoabrasion resistance comparable even with rubber according to DIN 53516. The recyclable material reduces production cycle time by up to 70% compared to thermosetting materials, like vulcanised rubber and EVA, cutting production costs and lowering energy consumption. The new TPU also offers excellent design flexibility, ideal for the highly demanding footwear segments, API said.
At the show, API also featured another TPU that it said is best suited to the production of midsoles. The lightweight recyclable material cuts down on production waste and has a lower environmental footprint than other low-density materials such as EVA and PU Foam. Its velvet and natural haptic characteristics are ideal for midsoles, and it offers design and moulding flexibility.
Together the API materials enable a one-shot solution for dual density / bi-component soles in a single production step. No glue has to be used in this bonding process. This reduces costs associated with equipment such as moulds and simplifies the labour-intensive assembling procedure.