Huntsman: new SCF technology for sports and lifestyle footwear

Among the innovations presented at the trade fair last September by Huntsman is a new supercritical foam (SCF) technology that combines lightweight cushioning, comfort and durability for sports and lifestyle footwear, while supporting manufacturers’ automation goals. This is SMARTLITE® SCF 280 TPU, the latest product in a wider range of SCF midsole technologies that includes SMARTLITE® SCF 285 TPU, launched in 2024, which is expected to follow its success.

In the footwear industry, supercritical foam is becoming increasingly popular. Key players in the value chain are investing heavily in this technology as an alternative to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) due to its ability to offer lightweight, responsive cushioning with consistent performance. At the same time, SCF systems, which can be used in combination with direct injection processes, can contribute to sustainability through more efficient production, reduced waste and recyclability potential.

Huntsman’s new SMARTLITE® SCF 280 technology is softer than SMARTLITE® SCF 285. Developed for use as a midsole in lifestyle/casual trainers and running shoes, the material can help to: reduce the overall weight of the shoe without sacrificing support (density = 0.17 to 0.22); support automation because the consistency of the material allows for reliable and economical production; provide responsive cushioning with up to 64% rebound to support athletic performance. SMARTLITE® SCF 280 can also improve durability and hydrolysis resistance, offering miles of everyday comfort, and offers circularity benefits because the material can be mechanically recycled and reused.

Huntsman’s SMARTLITE® SCF technologies for the midsole are optimised for co-moulding with AVALON® GECKO TPU, a sole technology launched in 2024 that offers slip resistance comparable to rubber on both wet and dry surfaces.