BASF polyurethane powers high energy return in new Brooks Levitate running shoes
20 Settembre 2017 - 6:15PM
BASF’s polyurethane-based cushioning system is powering the latest
innovation for runners with the launch of the all-new Brooks
Levitate with DNA AMP performance running shoe available starting
September 30.
Based on seven years of run research and in partnership with
BASF, the Brooks Levitate is the first to feature the DNA AMP
midsole, which is made from a new blend of BASF’s Elastopan® Sports
Light material. By refining the formula and making modifications to
polyurethane on a molecular level, the DNA AMP midsole offers
enhanced comfort and durability and provides runners 72 percent of
energy return for every foot-pound of force (per Brooks‘ test
method).
“Brooks Running is widely recognized as a leader in performance
running shoes,” said Chau Nguyen, footwear market manager for BASF
in North America. “Through our partnership to develop the all-new
Levitate, BASF used its performance materials expertise to create a
polyurethane midsole that is tailor-made for Brooks.”
This new cushioning material expands under the runner’s foot,
returning more energy as force is applied; leading to less energy
expended during a run. In addition, compared to traditional midsole
materials such as ethylene-vinyl-acetate, BASF’s high performance
polyurethane formulations improve the compression set effectiveness
– the ability of the midsole to retain its original thickness –
providing lasting wear and functionality during the life of the
shoe.
“We are seeing two key trends within the athletic shoe market:
consumer demand for lightweight, comfortable and durable shoes and
increased focus on automating the footwear production process,”
said Nguyen. “The result is renewed interest in and use of high
performance polyurethane for athletic shoes.”
For more than forty years, footwear manufacturers have relied on
BASF’s material expertise and innovations in custom-tailored
polyurethane systems and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers for
making all types of soles. As consumers continue to seek
high-quality products that can improve their experience, BASF
collaborates directly with leading brands throughout the entire
development process, enhancing existing technologies or developing
new technologies to meet performance demands.
“The Brooks Levitate with DNA AMP is engineered from the ground
up to deliver runners an infinitely energetic experience,” said
Zach Boteilho, senior innovation developer at Brooks Running. “We
are excited to partner with BASF to bring to life the revolutionary
new DNA AMP midsole technology that releases energy straight back
to the runner, making the experience so fun they can run forever.”
For a press photo, please click the following link:
https://www.basf.com/press-photos/us/en/photos/2017/09/09-20-17_BrooksLevitateBASF.jpg
About BASF’s Performance Materials Division
BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire
materials knowhow 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 a 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 2016, the Performance
Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.9 bn. More
information online: www.performance-materials.basf.com.
About BASF
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is
the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
BASF has nearly 17,500 employees in North America, and had sales of
$17.4 billion in 2015. For more information about BASF’s North
American operations, visit www.basf.us.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We
combine economic success with environmental protection and social
responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF
Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in
nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our
portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance
Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural
Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70
billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in
Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information
at www.basf.com.
For more information contact: Susan JacksonBASF
CorporationTel: (734) 324-6546E-mail: susan.jackson@basf.com