CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF Launches Elastollan® GripTec Shoe Soles

CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF launches new Elastollan® GripTec sole solution, empowering superior grip, design freedom, and sustainability

The Elastollan® GripTec series currently comprises three products, meeting the performance and design requirements for multiple categories of footwear.

According to an Intertek life cycle assessment (LCA), Elastollan® GripTec offers greater environmental benefits during the production phase compared to conventional materials.

BASF is set to appear at CHINAPLAS 2026 International: Shanghai International Exhibition Center, Hall 7.2, Booth C41

At CHINAPLAS 2026, the International Rubber & Plastics Exhibition, BASF will launch Elastollan® GripTec—a new innovative thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) product portfolio specifically designed for the athletic footwear industry—unleashing new possibilities in outsole design and manufacturing. The new Elastollan® GripTec series combines exceptional grip, outstanding durability, design flexibility, and sustainability, meeting the core needs of runners and hikers while also being suitable for casual/fashion footwear and children’s shoes.

“Footwear brands are constantly seeking materials that can simultaneously enhance user experience and safety performance. As a next-generation TPU outsole solution, Elastollan® GripTec redefines performance in footwear materials while offering greater design freedom and fulfilling our commitment to sustainability,” said Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President and Head of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, Performance Materials Asia Pacific at BASF. “We have already received positive initial feedback from several globally leading footwear brands on this product, demonstrating Elastollan® GripTec’s market potential. Moving forward, we will continue collaborating with more customers to strengthen their competitiveness and drive industry innovation.”

A Dual Breakthrough in Superior Performance and Design Freedom

The Elastollan® GripTec TPU portfolio is engineered to perform in complex and diverse environments, offering exceptional grip, outstanding durability, and superior abrasion resistance. Additionally, this series features excellent colorability, enabling a wide range of aesthetic options from transparent to black, and is easy to process—empowering brands to create more innovative and detailed TPU outsole designs.

To meet the needs of different applications, the Elastollan® GripTec series includes the following three products:

Elastollan® GripTec 10H: Offers industry-leading wear resistance and durability

Elastollan® GripTec 11HT: Combines a rubber-like feel with higher transparency, empowering design inspiration.

Elastollan® GripTec 12T: The ideal combination of high transparency and balanced performance

Promoting the sustainable development of the entire TPU outsole value chain

In addition to performance innovation, Elastollan GripTec also focuses on optimizing processing workflows during development, offering high efficiency.

TPU sole manufacturing processes help improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste emissions.

A life cycle assessment (LCA) study provided by Intertek, a global leading quality assurance organization, for Elastollan GripTec shows that during the production phase, the product carbon footprint (PCF) of Elastollan GripTec is 41% lower than that of traditional rubber soles.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambitious goal is to become the preferred chemical company for our customers, supporting their green transformation. We combine economic success, social responsibility, and environmental protection. With approximately 108,000 employees worldwide, BASF successfully serves customers in nearly every country and across all industries. Our business comprises “core businesses”—Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care—and “standalone businesses”—Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF’s global sales in 2025 amounted to approximately €60 billion. BASF shares are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and traded in the U.S. market as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY).

About BASF Specialty Materials Business Unit

BASF's Performance Materials division combines sustainability with material performance to drive the transformation of the plastics industry. With deep material expertise, rich industry experience, and a broad product portfolio, we are the preferred partner for comprehensive solutions across the plastic lifecycle. We have a dedicated team focused on material innovation, strong R&D capabilities, and a global production network close to our customers, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that meet the needs of different regions and industries. Our products are used in key areas such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industry, significantly enhancing performance and efficiency. We collaborate with our partners on the #CarbonExploration journey, accelerating the industry towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, the Performance Materials division aims to achieve global sales of 6.4 billion euros.