The ultimate step from Huntsman Polyurethanes
Anticipating future environmental legislation to eliminate both ozone depleting and greenhouse gas emissions in the footwear industry, Huntsman Polyurethanes footwear team is launching the latest additions to its SUPRASEC® range of water-blown polyether soling technologies. The new series of high performance polyurethane systems is available for a variety of components and offers footwear manufacturers high durability and improved processing.
European legislation is proposed to ban the placing of footwear on the market containing fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFCs), and implementation is expected by end 2006. This has prompted Huntsman to further develop its already well-established fully water-blown technologies. Manufacturers are set to benefit from improved processing, cleaner aesthetics and durability. Durability of the range is achieved though excellent abrasion and flex-crack resistance for unit soles, higher tear strength for sockliners and an inherent hydrolysis resistance across all applications
Physical blowing agents have been traditionally used in polyether chemistry to improve surface definition and physical properties. By using novel SUPRASEC prepolymer technology, Huntsman has been able to create similar effects using only water as the blowing agent. The technology has been successfully introduced into several global markets and numerous end applications, from fashion shoes to military boots.
Craig Roberts, marketing manager, Huntsman Polyurethanes Footwear team, says: “Huntsman pioneered the development of fully water-blown polyether systems and it is this focus that has enabled us to perfect the technology, enabling our customers to achieve the ultimate step and eliminate physical blowing agents completely.”
Editors’ notes
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of commodity and differentiated 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 revenues of $11.5 billion, 11,300 employees and 62 operations in 22 countries. The world's most significant and essential industries rely on Huntsman businesses to manufacture basic products for a variety of end-use applications.
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.
SUPRASEC® is a registered trademark of Huntsman International LLC. The mark is registered in one or more countries, but may not be registered in all countries.
For more information go to www.huntsman.com/pu
For more information or to arrange an interview with a representative from the Huntsman Polyurethanes team please contact:
Tania Van Buyten at Huntsman Polyurethanes by telephone on +32 2 758 9874 or by e-mail at footwear@huntsman.com