Elastollan^® in midsole powered by SCF foaming technology – a clean win for the footwear industry and sustainability

• Midsole applied in SS23 Salomon Index.02 by Salomon, the global leader in outdoor sports
• First footwear application of Elastollan manufactured with SCF direct injection foaming technology

Singapore – February 10, 2023 - Salomon, the global leader in outdoor sports, has launched the Salomon Index.02, featuring a midsole made with BASF’s Elastollan^® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) manufactured with Supercritical Fluid (SCF) foaming technology.

The SCF foaming technology enables an even gas dispersion, which produces a uniform fine-cell structured foam that possesses a significantly improved mechanical performance and low density.

No crosslinking or chemical blowing agents are used in the foaming process. As such, post-consumer recyclability of the midsole is possible. Additionally, it requires less energy during production, which lowers overall energy consumption. Elastollan in the Salomon Index.02 is also made without the use of plasticizers.

“The use of Elastollan with Supercritical Fluid foaming technology improves the durability and stability of the foam produced. This takes the Salomon Index.02 shoe standard to the next level, enabling runners to perform at their best. It is a powerful combination that helps Salomon to deliver on its mission of creating high-performance and sustainable footwear,” said Renaud Guillot, Material Engineer, Salomon Footwear.

“Elastollan is a well-established material solution. In footwear applications, it offers excellent properties, such as mechanical strength, durability, and comfort. With the SCF foaming technology, we are now providing sporting brands with a new approach to cushioning – a clean win for the footwear industry and sustainability,” said Minli Zhao, Vice President, Consumer Industry, BASF Performance Materials Asia Pacific.

The Salomon Index.02 will be available on Salomon.com from February 2023.

About Salomon

Born in Annecy, French Alps in 1947, Salomon creates premium footwear, apparel, gear and winter sports equipment that is superior in function, radical in design and obsessive in style.

At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best version of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials’ know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2021, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.29 bn. More information: www.plastics.basf.com.