Polyurethane plays a vital role in enhancing comfort and protection in safety shoes – but managing the scrap generated during production can be a challenge. Utilizing its extensive footwear innovation capabilities, Huntsman’s latest solution transforms this challenge into an opportunity.

Together with safety shoe manufacturer Steitz Secura and an external partner, Huntsman has pioneered a way to introduce recycled PU into new shoe components using an innovative DALTOPED® PU system, which requires no changes to existing processing or chemistry workflows.

Crucially, Huntsman’s approach also successfully introduces recycled PU into new shoe components, while maintaining performance on a par with virgin materials.

Wolfgang Burkhard, Head of PUR at STEITZ SECURA, said: “By taking our own PU scrap and reusing it, we have been able to manufacture new midsoles containing 20% recycled content. Together with Huntsman and a technology partner, we have been working to push up this percentage and can now increase the recycled content of new midsoles up to 30%. It’s a tangible example of our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and to finding smarter, cleaner ways to make high-performance footwear.”

Alex Stepuk, Business Development Circularity Manager at Huntsman, said: “This project is a strong example of how agility, innovation, and partnership can drive more meaningful progress in sustainable manufacturing. From early development through to rollout, the collaboration with Steitz Secura was built on shared values, open communication, and a clear commitment to finding practical solutions that reduce environmental impact without adding complexity.”

Continuing, he said: “By working closely together, we’ve developed a scalable way to recover and repurpose valuable polyurethane material - helping to meet growing demand for circular, high-performance safety footwear with zero compromise on quality. It’s a great demonstration of what’s possible when like-minded partners come together with a clear vision and the determination to close the loop on waste.”

Huntsman’s solution has undergone rigorous development, validation, and industrial-scale trials with Steitz Secura, ensuring that safety, durability, comfort and performance are never compromised – even in the production of premium safety footwear.

Huntsman is a leading provider of polyurethane footwear systems, delivering a combination of technical know-how and advanced formulation expertise; proven experience in integrating recycled content into PU systems; and a strong ecosystem of partners committed to driving forward sustainable innovation.