Biosourced materials for even greater performance
Combining eco-responsibility and performance
What do the soles of running shoes, soccer boots, tennis racket frames, ski helmets, bicycle saddles, golf putters, ski boots and surfboard fins have in common? Sport. But what else? They all incorporate Arkema biomaterials, Rilsan® polyamide 11 or Pebax® Rnew® elastomer.
"We are the inventors, 75 years ago, of polyamide 11 Rilsan® derived from a plant resource, castor oil, which we have continually developed with new grades, new properties, serving the performance of sportsmen and women while facilitating eco-design and recycling strategies. Our pioneering role in these "Advanced Bio-Circular Materials", has enabled us to offer breakthrough innovations to the biggest sports brands and become world leader in this market", explains Jérôme Allanic, Sports market manager for the High Performance Materials BU.
On almost every marathon record in recent years, runners have had our Pebax® or Pebax® Rnew material in the soles of their shoes.
Our thermoplastic elastomer is acclaimed by equipment manufacturers for its exceptional lightness, rebound effect, comfort and resistance.
Some fifteen years ago, Arkema researchers succeeded in developing a biosourced version based on the same chemistry as Rilsan®, while retaining and even improving the unique properties of the traditional Pebax® material. A resounding innovation in the world of equipment manufacturers.
"Since then, we've mainly been selling our Pebax® Rnew® material, which meets a growing need for eco-responsibility. Brands and consumers alike are looking for alternatives to carbon-based materials. Our biomaterials help them reduce their environmental footprint. Above all, we are proud to contribute to the performance of athletes in many sports; the durability and energy return we offer are unique on the market. This is the opening promise of our offer. But not only for the benefit of the elite.
More and more amateurs who want to challenge themselves are sensitive to the technicality of our high-performance biosourced polymers. This is particularly true in the booming running market", insists Jun Mougnier, Head of global business development for sports technical polymers
At the core of this running shoe, a supertalented polymer!
1. Upper and laces
Our 100% bio-sourced material PA11 Rilsan® provides strong, breathable and durable textiles to reduce the environmental impact of footwear design.
Notre PA11 Rilsan® 100 % bio-sourcé permet d’obtenir des textiles résistants, respirants et durables pour réduire l’impact environnemental lors de la conception de chaussures.
2. Heel counters
Heel counters in Pebax® elastomer are 20% lighter than those made from other materials like TPU. The Pebax® material offers runners high resistance to impact and vibrations, a better stability and a better heel support, the most important properties for heel counters.
3. Mid-soles
Mid-soles in Pebax® foam cut down the overall weight of the shoe. The Pebax® material also delivers excellent comfort and energy return.
Amplifying the powers of biosourced materials to cover a maximum number of needs
Arkema doesn't just supply high-performance biomaterials. We also support sports equipment manufacturers in developing new processes. In addition to injection and 3D printing, our researchers and developers have found in their toolbox the means to offer a Pebax® Rnew® foam that is even lighter, more dynamic and resistant. The result is an even wider range of sports.
"In this fast-moving sector, you have to be alert and ultra-reactive to stay innovative. In addition to the flagship markets of spikes and running shoes, we are now adding those of handball, basketball, tennis and trail running, says Jérôme Allanic.
Alongside the major sports brands, which are at the heart of our development strategy, we work in a very start-up spirit with a host of equipment manufacturers, such as On Running (see page below), with whom we work, for example, on sports textile applications for our PA11 Rilsan® and on the notion of recycling. Every week, I receive e-mails or calls from brands asking: what's the next material, the next innovation? In fact, everything depends on them and on working together with our researchers and developers all over the world to meet their needs. Our successes are their successes."
Cloudneo, more than a running shoe, a model of circularity
Designed by Swiss sports equipment manufacturer On®, in partnership with Arkema, the Cloudneo is more than just a running shoe. It embodies a new way of consuming. Its wearers are invited to return their shoes once they've worn out.
On® is committed to recycling and replacing them! This circular system makes runners the direct actors in an eco-responsible project, saving fossil energy and waste. This fine example of eco-design demonstrates the compatibility of sustainability and high performance. Featherweight (205g!) and boasting some of the highest energy return and cushioning characteristics in the On® range, the Cloudneo is designed with fewer than 10 components, and over 90% of its materials are recycled. This is the case for its sole and woven upper, made from high-performance polymers from our laboratories, such as Pebax® or biosourced PA11 Rilsan®.
This project serves as a perfect demonstrator for our Virtucycle® program, which aims to develop, via our subsidiary Agiplast, loops for regenerating our products after use.
