Huntsman steps up polyurethane developments for footwear applications

Organisations wanting to employ the very best soling solutions in future footwear collections should visit Huntsman Polyurethanes (Hall 35 / Stand B1) at Simac 2006 – the International Exhibition of Machines and Technologies for Footwear and Leather Goods Industries which takes place in Bologna, Italy during April.

With Simac and Lineapelle running simultaneously, Huntsman has decided this year to showcase its leading footwear solutions – SUPRASEC®, smartLite® and AVALON® – together on a combined exhibition booth. The resulting stand will feature recent developments in the smartLite® range of high quality, light-weight thermoplastic soling solutions and will also spotlight AVALON thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials and technologies, originating from the high performance sports shoes sector.

With an un-paralleled range of intelligent product solutions, Huntsman Polyurethanes is a world leader in the development of MDI-based technology for footwear applications. Following a recent internal merger, experts from across Huntsman’s Footwear and Adhesives, Coatings and Elastomers (ACE) divisions are working together to create new opportunities to drive forward innovation in the global footwear market. 

During Simac, the new and extended Huntsman team will unveil a brand new family of water-blown, high quality polyether systems, designed specifically to help European footwear manufacturers overcome forthcoming product legislation. Huntsman’s SUPRASEC very soft elastomers and gels for use in insoles will also be on display.

Alfons Tremml, Commercial Manager at Huntsman Polyurethanes said, “In recent times, footwear design has become increasingly scientific with manufacturers developing specialist shoes for a wide range of work and leisure uses. Huntsman’s polyurethane-based solutions have always given footwear designers the freedom to keep pace with advances in fashion and technology. Bringing together different capabilities from across our business will extend our product offering and enable our customers, including some of the largest big brand names in footwear, to build comfort and durability into fashion, sport, hiking and safety footwear soles as standard.”

smartLite®, AVALON and SUPRASEC are registered trademarks of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.

Editor’s note
Huntsman Polyurethanes is a business division of Huntsman Corporation. Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and commodity chemicals. Its operating companies manufacture basic products for a variety of global industries including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, textiles, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging, and later, rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has 11,300 employees, 57 operations in 22 countries and had 2005 revenues of $13 billion.

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Press office details
For more information or to arrange an interview with a representative from Huntsman Polyurethanes, please contact: Denise Thompson / Kim Bithel / Natalie Yates at Ware Anthony Rust by telephone on +44 (0) 1223 566212 / +44 (0) 7714 766106 or by email at denise.thompson@war.uk.com / kim.bithel@war.uk.com / natalie.yates@war.uk.com