[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

BASF at SIMAC 2025: Recycling meets Performance – PU solutions for the future of footwear

BASF is presenting new materials, concepts and recycling methods for polyurethanes in footwear at SIMAC Tanning Tech. The leading international trade fair will take place from September 23-25 in Milan, Italy. We will showcase our unique and integrated toolbox of Elastopan® (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethanes Elastollan® and Infinergy®. Together with our partners and customers we bring innovative products to the market offering utmost lightness paired with mechanical performance and automated processing.
A shoe with spring vibes of Elastopan® SpringPURe – created by Desma and BASF. © 2025 BASF
A shoe with spring vibes of Elastopan® SpringPURe – created by Desma and BASF. © 2025 BASF


The new sustainable material developments and recycling methods for the footwear industry will be presented at BASF, hall 10, G56/H55.

Circularity is more than an option

Circular economy is one of the major topics in all industries. The concept of meltable PU is an essential step forward towards a circular future of footwear: Bottom units, upper parts or even complete shoes made of meltable PU or combinations of TPU and PU are ready for mechanical recycling concepts. The new TPU Elastollan® RC with up to 100% recycled content can be used as a raw material for new shoe parts. Alongside this concept, we are unveiling further strategies for circularity: by utilizing depolymerization, both post-industrial and post-consumer footwear waste can be incorporated into new polyurethane shoe soles. Alternatively, ChemCycling® enables us to achieve up to 100% attributed recycled feedstock by utilizing end-of-life tires or mixed plastic waste.

Get the spring vibes with the new Elastopan®SpringPURe

Imagine a PU that’s as light as a spring breeze but tough enough to handle any adventure—welcome to the SpringPURe portfolio! These products feature low density without sacrificing durability and performance you expect from polyurethane. Whether you’re after the bouncy flexibility of polyether-based materials or the easy processing of polyester-based options (perfect for top-tier safety shoes), SpringPURe has it all. We support all the latest production methods, from classic casting to direct injection. Our collaboration with Stemma S.R.L. brings together our SpringPURe material advances with Stemma's NUCLEOOS technology, a hybrid technology for chemical-physical foaming. Together, we create lighter midsoles with outstanding style and performance, seamlessly integrating into existing polyurethane molding processes.

Next-Gen footwear: Merging automated manufacturing with cutting-edge materials

Experience the next level of automated footwear creation with our collaboration alongside Desma Schuhmaschinen GmbH. Together, we’re rethinking design flexibility and enhancing lightweight comfort—showcasing concepts such as direct soling with Elastopan®SpringPURe lightweight midsoles combined with robust Elastollan® TPU film outsoles. Explore the possibilities of fully automated PU processing, paired with the dynamic elasticity of Infinergy®, resulting in exceptional midsoles crafted in a single step. The classic "Detonate" cupsole concept brings tradition into the future, utilizing foamed TPU to achieve adaptable densities and superior performance. Meanwhile, Desma’s cutting-edge SCF machine streamlines production to deliver ultra-light Infinergy® midsoles with outstanding elasticity and energy return.

Visit BASF at Simac 2025, hall 10, booth G56/H55



More News from BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Performance Chemicals for Textiles Europe

#Recycling / Circular Economy

trinamiX with new management

BASF is examining strategic options for its subsidiary trinamiX GmbH. trinamiX specializes in biometric imaging and mobile material analysis. These activities are not part of BASF’s core business, on which the company is focusing as part of the implementation of its new strategy.

#Research & Development

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

#Nonwovens

Turning diaper waste into new value: BASF, Essity and TU Wien pioneer circular solutions

BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies and manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and Essity, a global leading hygiene and health company, joined forces together with the Technical University of Wien to revolutionize recycling of absorbent hygiene products (AHP).

#Textile chemistry

BASF strengthens liquid enzyme portfolio for the laundry and cleaning industry

By expanding its product portfolio for liquid enzymes, BASF is further strengthening its position as an innovation leader and provider of essential ingredients for the home care and I&I industry.

More News on Textiles & Apparel / Garment

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

#Sustainability

Ying McGuire becomes new CEO of Cascale

Cascale today announced the appointment of Ying McGuire as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.

#Europe

Antwerp Declaration community urges EU leaders to deliver emergency measures as Europe’s competitiveness crisis deepens

EURATEX, representing the European textile and fashion industry, joins the Antwerp Declaration Community’s call on EU Heads of State and Government to adopt emergency measures that restore industrial competitiveness and deliver tangible results for Europe’s manufacturing base in 2026.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

Latest News

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

#Raw Materials

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

#Spinning

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

TOP