Essentially Rubber: Bio-based footwear

Leading-edge designs and applications showing how elastomer materials contribute to all aspects of life and lifestyle in the 21st century:

South Korean companies Sk Chemicals, Dongsung Chemical and apparel manufacturer BYN Black Yak have joined forces to reduce carbon emissions in the outdoor wear industry. Following a year of collaboration, the trio have developed “sustainable footwear materials” using the SK chemicals’ 100% bio-based polyol ‘Ecotrion’, and Dongsung Chemical’s bio-polyurethane resin Neopan. Using the bio-based materials, Black Yak has produced the "foot pillow cushioning foam," which is applied to the heel support layer of the midsole to minimise loading on the ankle and knee joints. The midsole of trekking shoes largely determines the footwear’s weight and acts like a car’s suspension. Cushioning is important because the midsole must absorb the impact on the body and ensure safe strides, even on rough terrain.