BASF is targeting footwear manufacturers with a new outsole material combining traction, transparency and a third-party verified 41 percent carbon footprint reduction against rubber – a pitch aimed at brands under pressure to improve both performance and sustainability credentials.
BASF has launched a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsole platform for sports footwear at the CHINAPLAS 2026 trade show in Shanghai, positioning its Elastollan GripTec range as an alternative to conventional rubber.
The company said a lifecycle assessment (LCA) by quality assurance, testing and certification firm Intertek found that replacing rubber with an Elastollan GripTec outsole would cut the product carbon footprint (PCF, in kg CO2 equivalent) by 41 percent at the manufacturing stage.
Pressure to cut material footprint without sacrificing performance
Brands and suppliers are facing growing scrutiny over the climate impact of material choices, particularly in high-volume components such as outsoles. Rubber remains the default for traction and durability, but it is difficult to replace at scale without affecting grip, wear or processing.
BASF is arguing that its GripTec grades can narrow that gap, citing wet slip resistance comparable to rubber, improved abrasion resistance versus standard TPU at elevated temperatures, and recyclability.
Three grades aimed at different footwear segments
BASF said the platform includes three grades for different use cases.
- GripTec 10H is aimed at running and hiking applications where abrasion performance is prioritized.
- GripTec 11HT targets lifestyle running and is offered in a transparent formulation intended to enable more outsole color options.
- GripTec 12T is positioned for lifestyle and kids’ categories, with an emphasis on transparency and a balanced performance profile.
Manufacturing claims focus on process efficiency
Alongside performance, BASF is pitching the material as easier to process than rubber, pointing to potential for higher automation in outsole production. The company also highlighted the use of transparent grades as a way to support more differentiated design.
About
Intertek is a UK-headquartered global leader in total quality assurance, providing critical testing, inspection, and certification services. Its specialized lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology is a cross-industry standard used by manufacturers to rigorously quantify product carbon footprints and evaluate overall environmental impact. This data-driven approach is increasingly vital for brands navigating global sustainability regulations.
CHINAPLAS serves as a premier international exhibition for the plastics and rubber industries and is a strategic gateway for suppliers targeting the global sports footwear supply chain. Because footwear manufacturing remains heavily concentrated in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, the event acts as a central hub where material innovations—such as advanced TPUs and bio-based polymers—are first introduced to the factory-level decision-makers and R&D teams that drive global production.
