- CHINAPLAS 2026 (26 Mar 2026): BASF debuts Elastollan GripTec TPU outsole portfolio with three grades (10H, 11HT, 12T).
- Grade specifics: 10H targets best abrasion and durability; 11HT offers rubber-like feel with improved transparency; 12T delivers superior transparency with balanced performance.
- Intertek LCA reports Elastollan GripTec achieves a 41% lower product carbon footprint versus conventional rubber outsoles during manufacturing.
- Material and process design aim to improve TPU outsole processability to increase productivity, reduce energy use and minimize waste emissions.
CHINAPLAS 2026 unveiling
At CHINAPLAS 2026 (26 March 2026) BASF introduced Elastollan® GripTec, a TPU outsole portfolio shown at Booth 7.2C41 in Shanghai.
Product overview and grades
Elastollan GripTec is a thermoplastic polyurethane series for running, hiking, lifestyle and kids footwear, engineered for traction, abrasion resistance and design flexibility with options from transparent to black; the range includes GripTec 10H (best abrasion resistance and durability), GripTec 11HT (rubber-like feel with improved transparency) and GripTec 12T (superior transparency with balanced performance).
Processing and environmental performance
The grades are developed for optimized TPU outsole processability to improve manufacturing productivity, reduce energy use and minimize waste emissions; an Intertek life cycle assessment reports a 41% lower product carbon footprint for Elastollan GripTec versus conventional rubber outsoles during the manufacturing stage.
