BASF polyurethane cold molding technology helps improve energy efficiency by 89%

        At CHINAPLAS 2023, BASF will demonstrate a cold molding technology for manufacturing footwear components using Elastopan® polyurethane (PU). According to a life cycle assessment (LCA) study of the footwear component by Intertek, a total quality assurance service provider, the cold molding technology significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and energy consumption during the production process.

         Ma Yunlong, General Manager of Intertek Green Environment Department, said: "Compared with hot molding, cold molding technology helps improve energy efficiency by 89% because it does not require heating during the foaming process. In addition, water consumption during the production process is 81% lower than that of thermosetting, and greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced by 76%."

         Cold molding technology does not require the use of release agents and can be produced at room temperature. Since the heating process is eliminated, its production process is also simplified.

        “Through the life cycle assessment study, BASF has demonstrated that applications using its Elastopan cold molding solutions are making a difference in contributing to a more sustainable future. This is also part of BASF’s ongoing efforts to excite customers in the footwear industry with innovative solutions that will benefit them in a more sustainable footwear market,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

        BASF’s polyurethane solutions based on cold molding technology have been used in footwear components by leading footwear manufacturers. BASF will share details about the life cycle assessment study and Elastopan cold molding technology in subsequent technical seminars.