BASF to Launch Innovative TPU Product Series for the Athletic Footwear Industry at Chinaplas

At the 2026 China International Plastics Exhibition (CHINAPLAS), BASF will launch a major product.Elastollan® GripTecSeries — An innovative thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) product portfolio specifically designed for the athletic footwear industry, unlocking new possibilities in outsole design and manufacturing.

The new Elastollan® GripTec series combines exceptional grip, durability, design flexibility, and sustainability, catering to running and hiking enthusiasts while also suitable for casual fashion footwear and children's shoes.

Superior traction performance, robust durability, and excellent wear resistance

The Elastollan GripTec series of TPU products are professionally developed to achieve excellent grip, robust durability, and superior wear resistance in various environments.

This series also offers ample design freedom, with color options ranging from transparent to black, and supports the use of TPU to create more creative and detailed outsole designs.

To meet diverse application requirements, the Elastollan GripTec series includes three grades.

Elastollan GripTec 10HWear resistance at the industry's forefront, outstanding durability

Elastollan GripTec 11HT: Has a rubber-like feel, better transparency, and higher design flexibility

Elastollan GripTec 12T: Excellent transparency, balanced overall performance

Vice President, Business Management – Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), Asia Pacific, BASF High Performance MaterialsRohit Rup Ghosh"Footwear brands are constantly seeking materials that enhance user experience and improve safety. Elastollan GripTec, as our next-generation TPU outsole solution, will redefine footwear performance while expanding design flexibility and fulfilling our commitment to sustainability."

Preliminary feedback from leading global footwear brands has been largely positive, further validating the market potential of Elastollan GripTec. We will continue collaborating with more customers to enhance its core competitiveness and drive innovative development across the industry.

Reduce energy consumption, decrease waste emissions

In addition to performance innovation, Elastollan GripTec has also been developed to optimize processing performance. Its efficient TPU outsole manufacturing process helps enhance production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste emissions.

According to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by Intertek, a globally leading quality assurance organization, the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of Elastollan GripTec in the production phase is 41% lower than that of traditional rubber outsoles.