Huntsman launches AVALON® GECKO TPU - engineered for ultimate grip in footwear

New thermoplastic soling solution launches at NW Materials Show

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Huntsman has developed a new range of innovative, high-performing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the footwear industry that offers game-changing possibilities for soling applications. The new AVALON® GECKO TPU portfolio offers a series of products that have exceptional grip and durability and have been developed with circularity in mind. Tailor made for use in high performance soling applications, the range includes an extrudable grade for creating super thin outsoles and a product that can be foamed to produce a very low density and super soft material with a unique touch and feel.

Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary grip of geckos, products in the AVALON® GECKO TPU portfolio offer comparable slip performance to rubber in both wet and dry conditions. A great choice for outsoles for running, hiking and safety shoes, the new GECKO TPU portfolio contains products that are soft (shore 60-65A) yet highly durable with excellent abrasion resistance.

To help ensure ultimate design and production versatility for its customers, Huntsman has developed three grades of AVALON® GECKO TPU:

• AVALON® 6044 AG – an opaque, injectable grade that is ideal for safety shoes
• AVALON® 6053 AG – a transparent, extrusion grade optimized for running applications
• AVALON® 6055 AG – a transparent, injectable grade for exceptional wet slip performance.

The extrudable GECKO grade, AVALON® 6053 AG TPU represents a major step forward in footwear – enabling the creation of outsoles that are up to 50% thinner and lighter than conventional outsoles, without compromising quality, performance or durability. The injectable AVALON® 6044 AG grade has been developed to offer fast cycle times for improved productivity. In addition, all AVALON® GECKO TPU grades offer adhesive-free bonding when paired with other TPU midsole materials and, thanks to their compatibility, can be mechanically recycled with minimal impact on material performance*. They can also be easily coloured and engineered to create different textures and surface finishes. 

Matthew Canoy, Global Marketing Director PU Elastomers at Huntsman, said: “The development of AVALON® GECKO TPU represents a significant advancement towards achieving circular footwear. Developed to be dependable, durable, and with circularity in mind, AVALON® GECKO TPU materials ensure that sustainability and high performance are in lock step with one another, with no compromises. The feedback we’ve received from customers that have tested AVALON® GECKO TPU products has been incredibly positive. We are excited to launch the range and continue our conversations with footwear brands that want to get a gecko-like grip in their soling applications.”

AVALON® Gecko TPU is officially launched at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon on August 28, 2024.

Huntsman is a leading provider of polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and textile-based solutions to the footwear industry. Working closely with many of the world’s leading footwear and sports brands, the company’s global footwear team provides fully formulated grades and tailor-made systems. In terms of focus, Huntsman concentrates its innovation efforts on the development of sustainable solutions that meet the automation, customization and smart manufacturing needs of its customers. 

For more information about AVALON® GECKO TPUs, go to: www.avalon-gecko.com

Footnote:

* Tests performed by Huntsman on outsoles produced using regranulated AVALON® GECKO TPU showed no signs of degradation in performance. The ability to perform mechanical recycling is dependent on end of life take-back programs and a recycling ecosystem being in place.

About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2023 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,000 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com. 

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Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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 under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman’s operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

While all the information and recommendations in this publication are to the best of our knowledge, information and belief accurate at the date of publication, NOTHING HEREIN IS TO BE CONSTRUED AS A WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR OTHERWISE. Huntsman Polyurethanes warrants only that its products meet the specifications agreed with the buyer in the sales contract.  Typical properties, where stated, are to be considered as Representative of current production and should not be treated as specifications. IN ALL CASES, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF SUCH INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE SUITABILITY OF ANY PRODUCT FOR ITS OWN PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The sale of products referred to in this publication is subject to the general terms and conditions of sale of Huntsman International LLC or of its affiliated companies.

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Released August 28, 2024