The German Polymer Co Covestro is working with Lenzing Group, a Austria cellulose fiber producer, to develop environmentally friendly polyurethane (PU) synthetic fibers for the footwear industry.

The environmental compatibility of coated textiles depends on a series of factors, such as the source of raw materials, the use of organic solvents, the consumption of energy and water.

Covestro provides water based Insqin technology for its specialists in PU textile coatings, and Lenzing provides expertise in fiber production. The two companies are partners in a renewable and natural wood based material.

Covestro said that waterborne polyurethane coatings using Insqin technology can reduce the possibility of global warming better than solvent based coatings. Although the Tencel Lyocell fiber from Lenzing also reduces the ecological footprint of synthetic leather, it is mainly because of its resource saving recovery process.

Covestro Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (EMEA / LA) textile coating head Thomas Michaelis said that the footwear industry can now get PU synthetic material, which has established a new standard for sustainability.