Positive result from shoe brand’s TPU trial with Huntsman
Women’s footwear brand Oesh has announced positive results in tests to evaluate the use of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials and 3D printing in creating a 100% recyclable sole.
After carrying out extensive research into the effects of footwear on health, and concluding that many features commonly found in shoes adversely affect posture and joints, Dr Casey Kerrigan decided to found her own brand, Oesh, in 2011.
A recent development is to use 3D printing to create soles with support in all the right places. Oesh also wanted to be able to shred the soles at the end of the shoes’ natural life and recycle the material. It found TPU from Huntsman to be suitable for both objectives.
“We are excited about our latest discovery,” Dr Kerrigan said. “Using Huntsman’s TPU elastomers, OESH’s signature soles are now not only 100% healthy, but 100% recyclable.”
