Dongsung Chemical (102260.KQ) announced Thursday that it has developed a footwear material combining sustainability and high functionality, which will be supplied to outdoor brand K2.
The company has applied Floathane™, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin based on supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming technology, to the midsoles of K2's slow running shoes 'Flowing' and 'Flowing Lace.'
SCF foaming technology is an advanced process that creates microscopic air layers using nitrogen gas. Floathane™ utilizing this technology does not use chemical foaming agents, reducing environmental impact, while its high cell uniformity provides lightweight yet firm resilience that does not easily collapse.
Dongsung Chemical has maximized the functionality of the 'Flowing' and 'Flowing Lace' midsoles through Floathane™. The air layers formed by the SCF foaming process act like springs, effectively absorbing and dispersing impact upon landing, then converting it into energy to add propulsion to the next step.
The company plans to actively seek collaboration opportunities with major domestic and international footwear brands based on Floathane™'s excellent physical properties and environmental advantages. In particular, it aims to strengthen integrated collaboration with clients by establishing SCF injection physical foaming equipment for footwear at its Ulsan plant.
"Floathane™ is a material that meets both the functionality and sustainability demanded by the footwear industry," said Kim Man-sik, head of Dongsung Chemical's TPU Business Division. "Based on Dongsung Chemical's resin compounding and synthesis technology, we will provide customized solutions by implementing different functionalities for each type of footwear."