Huntsman partners with steitz secura to produce protective shoe insoles using recycled polyurethane materials

Huntsman and Steitz Secura have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking polyurethane solution that enhances the recyclability of safety shoes. The DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system created by the two companies incorporates recycled materials without compromising performance, setting a new benchmark for the production of protective footwear.

Polyurethane plays a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and protection of safety shoes, but the disposal of waste generated during the production process poses a challenge. Huntsman, with its strong capabilities in footwear innovation, turns this challenge into an opportunity.

Huntsman, in collaboration with safety shoe manufacturer Steitz Secura and external partners, has pioneered a groundbreaking solution by applying recycled polyurethane in the manufacturing of new shoe components through the innovatively developed DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system, without requiring any modifications to existing processing or chemical processes.

What is particularly important is that Huntsman's solution can introduce recycled polyurethane while maintaining performance comparable to that of virgin materials.

Wolfgang Burkhar, head of Steitz Secura's polyurethane business, stated: "By recycling polyurethane waste generated during the production process, we have successfully manufactured a new type of shoe midsole containing 20% recycled material. Through our collaboration with Huntsman and technical partners, we are continuously increasing this proportion, and the content of recycled materials in the new midsoles can now reach up to 30%. This practical initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainable development, and reflects our determination to manufacture high-performance footwear in a smarter, cleaner way."

Alex Stepuk, Huntsman's Circular Economy Business Development Manager, said: "This project vividly demonstrates how agile thinking, innovation, and strategic collaboration can jointly drive substantive progress in sustainable manufacturing. From initial research and development to full-scale promotion, our partnership with Steitz Secura has always been based on shared values, open communication mechanisms, and a steadfast commitment to finding practical solutions that reduce environmental impact without increasing production complexity."

He further added, "Through close collaboration, we have developed a scalable polyurethane material recycling and reuse solution—meeting the growing market demand for circular high-performance safety shoes while ensuring zero compromise on product quality. When like-minded partners join forces with a clear vision, this project perfectly illustrates the infinite possibilities of achieving closed-loop recycling and utilization of waste."

Huntsman and Steitz Secura have collaborated to create the DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system, which has undergone rigorous development, validation, and industrial-scale testing to ensure consistent safety, durability, comfort, and performance even in the production of high-end safety footwear.