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October 14, 2024

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News-Releases Index | Huntsman Polyurethanes

08/28/2024

Huntsman launches AVALON® GECKO TPU - engineered for ultimate grip in footwear (8/28/24)

 Huntsman has developed a new range of innovative, high-performing thermoplastic polyurethane 
(TPU) materials for the footwear industry that offer game-changing possibilities for soling applications. 
The new AVALON® GECKO TPU portfolio offers a series of products that have exceptional grip and 
durability and have been developed with circularity in mind. Tailor made for use in high performance 
soling applications, the range includes an extrudable grade for creating super thin outsoles and a 
product that can be foamed to produce a very low density and super soft material with a unique touch 
and feel.
 
Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary grip of geckos, products in the AVALON® GECKO TPU 
portfolio offer comparable slip performance to rubber in both wet and dry conditions. A great choice 
for outsoles for running, hiking and safety shoes, the new GECKO TPU portfolio contains products that 
are soft (shore 60-65A) yet highly durable with excellent abrasion resistance.
 
To help ensure ultimate design and production versatility for its customers, Huntsman has developed 
three grades of AVALON® GECKO TPU:
AVALON® 6044 AG – an opaque, injectable grade that is ideal for safety shoes
AVALON® 6053 AG – a transparent, extrusion grade optimized for running applications
AVALON® 6055 AG – a transparent, injectable grade for exceptional wet slip performance.
 
The extrudable GECKO grade, AVALON® 6053 AG TPU represents a major step forward in footwear – 
enabling the creation of outsoles that are up to 50% thinner and lighter than conventional outsoles, 
without compromising quality, performance or durability. The injectable AVALON® 6044 AG grade has 
been developed to offer fast cycle times for improved productivity.
 
In addition, all AVALON® GECKO TPU grades offer adhesive-free bonding when paired with other TPU 
midsole materials and, thanks to their compatibility, can be mechanically recycled with minimal impact 
on material performance*. They can also be easily coloured and engineered to create different textures 
and surface finishes.
 
Matthew Canoy, Global Marketing Director PU Elastomers at Huntsman, said: “The development of 
AVALON® GECKO TPU represents a significant advancement towards achieving circular footwear. 
Developed to be dependable, durable, and with circularity in mind, AVALON® GECKO TPU materials 
ensure that sustainability and high performance are in lock step with one another, with no 
compromises. The feedback we’ve received from customers that have tested AVALON® GECKO TPU 
products has been incredibly positive. We are excited to launch the range and continue our 
conversations with footwear brands that want to get a gecko-like grip in their soling applications.”
 
AVALON® GECKO TPU was officially launched at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon on August 
28, 2024.
 
Huntsman is a leading provider of polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and textile-based 
solutions to the footwear industry. Working closely with many of the world’s leading footwear and 
sports brands, the company’s global footwear team provides fully formulated grades and tailor-made 
systems. In terms of focus, Huntsman concentrates its innovation efforts on the development of 
sustainable solutions that meet the automation, customization and smart manufacturing needs of its 
customers.
 
 
 
Footnotes:
* Tests performed by Huntsman on outsoles produced using regranulated AVALON® GECKO TPU 
showed no signs of degradation in performance. The ability to perform mechanical recycling is 
dependent on end of life take-back programs and a recycling ecosystem are in place.
*Assuming End of Life take-back programs and a recycling ecosystem are in place

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