Evonik introduces new waste-tire elastomer for athletic shoes

Essen, Germany – Evonik Industries AG is advancing its sustainable elastomer portfolio with the introduction of a new polyamide 12 (PEBA) elastomer made 50% by recycled tires.

Vestamid eCO E40 replaces 50% of fossil raw materials with “materials obtained from chemical recycling of used tires," said Evonik in a statement.

In addition, Evonik said that it consumes only renewable energy in the production of the material, helping it reduce its carbon footprint by a total of 42%.

Like its classically produced counterpart Vestamid E40, the material is a thermoplastic elastomer from the polyether block amide family and can replace conventional moulding compounds immediately “without any restrictions.”

The PEBA moulding compounds are particularly used for the production of sporting goods, including shoe soles.

The soles, according to Evonik, exhibit “excellent low-temperature impact strength, chemical resistance and high elasticity, and are easy to colour, process and overmould.”