Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market latest Statistics on Market Size, Growth, Production, Sales Volume, Sales Price, Market Share and Import vs Export
- Published 2023
- No of Pages: 120
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Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Summary Highlights
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is entering a structurally transformative phase in 2026, driven by performance footwear innovation, sustainable material transitions, and cost-efficiency pressures across global manufacturing hubs. Demand concentration is shifting toward lightweight, recyclable, and high-durability compounds such as SBS, SEBS, TPU, and TPO.
Athletic footwear continues to dominate material consumption, while casual and lifestyle footwear categories are accelerating elastomer substitution for PVC and traditional rubber. Asia-Pacific remains the production backbone; however, North America and Europe are expanding demand for bio-based and recyclable thermoplastic elastomers.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Size is projected to surpass USD 5.8 billion in 2026, with steady expansion supported by growing footwear unit production and premiumization strategies among global brands. Performance optimization, recyclability, and design flexibility are reshaping procurement strategies across OEMs and contract manufacturers.
Statistical Summary – Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
- Global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Size projected at USD 5.8 billion in 2026
- Expected CAGR (2026–2032): 6.4%
- Asia-Pacific market share in 2026: 48%
- TPU segment share in 2026: 34% of total revenue
- Athletic footwear application share: 52%
- Recyclable/bio-based TPE penetration: 18% in 2026, projected 31% by 2032
- Replacement rate of PVC in midsoles and outsoles: +9% YoY in 2026
- Lightweight TPE compound demand growth: 8.7% YoY
- Contract manufacturing share in global footwear production: 72%
- Average raw material cost volatility (styrenics & polyolefins): ±6% annual fluctuation
Performance-Driven Innovation Accelerating the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is increasingly influenced by performance engineering priorities. Footwear manufacturers are optimizing energy return, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and shock absorption to meet athletic and lifestyle performance standards.
For instance, global athletic footwear production is projected to exceed 15.2 billion pairs in 2026, reflecting 4.8% annual growth. Approximately 61% of performance footwear midsoles and outsoles now incorporate TPE-based compounds, compared to 54% in 2023.
Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) are expanding rapidly due to:
- High tensile strength (25–60 MPa range)
- Abrasion resistance up to 2–3 times higher than conventional rubber
- Density reduction capability of 10–18% in expanded grades
Such characteristics enable lightweight design, which is critical as footwear brands aim to reduce per-shoe weight by 12–20 grams in competitive athletic segments. Even a 10-gram reduction across 500 million pairs results in substantial material efficiency and logistics savings.
Energy-return optimized expanded TPU midsoles are witnessing 9.2% YoY growth in 2026, reinforcing the structural shift toward engineered elastomers within the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
Sustainability Pressures Reshaping the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Sustainability is no longer optional in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market. Regulatory mandates and corporate ESG commitments are accelerating bio-based and recyclable elastomer integration.
For example:
- 42% of global footwear brands have declared 2030 carbon neutrality targets.
- 28% of newly launched athletic footwear models in 2026 contain partially recycled TPE components.
- Bio-based SEBS production capacity is expanding at 11% annually.
Traditional vulcanized rubber recycling remains limited, with recovery rates below 15%. In contrast, thermoplastic elastomers offer mechanical recyclability rates exceeding 70% under controlled conditions. This differential is influencing material substitution decisions.
PVC replacement is another measurable trend. Approximately 9% annual displacement of PVC in outsole applications is being recorded, primarily in Europe and North America. The shift reduces chlorine-related environmental concerns and enhances end-of-life recyclability.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Size benefits directly from this sustainability pivot, as premium sustainable compounds command 12–18% higher pricing compared to conventional grades.
Manufacturing Efficiency and Automation Driving Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Adoption
Production efficiency is a structural driver in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market. Injection molding cycle times for TPE compounds range between 30–55 seconds, compared to 90–120 seconds for certain rubber processes requiring curing.
This reduction delivers:
- 35–50% faster throughput
- 18–25% lower energy consumption per unit
- Reduced labor intensity in automated lines
Asia-Pacific, accounting for 48% of global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market revenue in 2026, benefits from vertically integrated manufacturing clusters in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. For instance, Vietnam’s footwear export production is projected to exceed USD 27 billion in 2026, supporting steady elastomer demand.
Contract manufacturers prefer thermoplastic elastomers because scrap material can be reprocessed. Regrind utilization rates average 12–18% without significant performance loss. This reduces raw material waste and improves gross margins by approximately 2–3%.
Automation adoption in footwear factories has increased 14% between 2024 and 2026. TPE compatibility with automated injection and compression molding systems strengthens its position over traditional thermoset materials.
Premiumization and Design Flexibility Expanding the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Design complexity is increasing across sports, athleisure, and fashion footwear. The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is capitalizing on multi-color molding, transparent finishes, soft-touch textures, and hybrid material constructions.
For example:
- 36% of premium sneakers launched in 2026 incorporate dual-density TPE structures.
- Transparent TPU components in lifestyle footwear grew 12% YoY.
- Multi-shot molding applications increased by 15% in advanced manufacturing hubs.
TPE materials allow hardness ranges from Shore A 5 to Shore D 70, enabling seamless integration across midsoles, heel counters, toe caps, and decorative elements. This material versatility reduces SKU complexity for manufacturers.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market benefits from these aesthetic and functional advancements. Hybrid constructions combining EVA foam with TPE overlays are expanding, improving durability while maintaining cushioning performance.
Premium footwear priced above USD 120 per pair is projected to grow at 7.5% CAGR through 2030. Higher-priced segments typically incorporate higher-grade elastomers, increasing revenue per kilogram in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
Expansion of Emerging Markets Strengthening the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Emerging economies are accelerating footwear consumption. Urbanization, disposable income growth, and sports participation trends are expanding per capita footwear purchases.
For instance:
- India’s footwear consumption is projected to grow at 8.2% CAGR through 2030.
- Southeast Asia athletic footwear demand is expanding at 7.1% annually.
- Africa’s organized footwear retail penetration increased from 32% to 39% between 2024 and 2026.
Rising middle-class demographics correlate directly with increased demand for durable and comfortable footwear. TPE-based soles and cushioning components provide extended wear life compared to low-cost PVC alternatives.
Global footwear production is projected to reach 26.4 billion pairs by 2026. Even if thermoplastic elastomers are used in only 58% of those units, material consumption volumes remain structurally robust.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Size reflects this volume expansion. Raw material consumption is projected to exceed 2.9 million metric tons in 2026, increasing toward 3.8 million metric tons by 2032.
Material Cost Optimization and Supply Chain Diversification in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Raw material volatility remains a challenge. Styrene and polyolefin feedstocks fluctuate within ±6% annually. However, thermoplastic elastomers offer blending flexibility, enabling compounders to adjust formulations to stabilize costs.
Localized compounding facilities are expanding:
- Southeast Asia compounding capacity increased 13% between 2024 and 2026.
- Latin America regional production rose 9% to reduce import dependency.
Nearshoring strategies in North America are encouraging domestic elastomer sourcing for premium footwear lines. Shorter supply chains reduce lead times by 10–14 days on average.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is also benefiting from backward integration among large chemical manufacturers, improving feedstock security and price stability.
Cost-performance optimization remains central. TPE compounds offer lifecycle cost reductions of 6–11% compared to traditional rubber systems when factoring in recyclability, energy savings, and production efficiency.
Concluding Analytical Perspective on Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is transitioning from substitution-driven growth to innovation-led expansion. Performance enhancement, sustainability integration, manufacturing efficiency, and emerging market demand are structurally reinforcing volume and value growth.
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Size trajectory remains positive, supported by expanding athletic footwear production, premiumization trends, and regulatory alignment toward recyclable materials.
Through 2032, compound innovation, lightweight engineering, and supply chain localization will remain central pillars shaping the competitive landscape of the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
Asia-Pacific Leadership in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market remains geographically concentrated in Asia-Pacific, which accounts for approximately 48% of global revenue in 2026 and over 55% of total volume consumption. This regional dominance reflects the concentration of footwear manufacturing clusters in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.
For instance, Vietnam alone is projected to produce more than 1.4 billion pairs of footwear in 2026, representing 6.2% annual growth. Nearly 64% of exported athletic footwear from Vietnam integrates TPU or styrenic block copolymers in midsoles and outsoles. Such production density directly expands the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
China continues to lead in upstream polymer processing, accounting for 37% of global TPE compounding capacity dedicated to footwear applications. Domestic footwear consumption in China is also expanding at 4.5% annually, reinforcing internal demand.
India represents one of the fastest-growing contributors to the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market, with footwear production growth projected at 8.2% CAGR through 2030. Increasing sports participation and organized retail penetration are pushing higher-value footwear categories that rely heavily on TPE materials.
North America Expansion in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
North America accounts for approximately 18% of the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market revenue in 2026, driven largely by premium athletic and lifestyle footwear demand.
The United States footwear market is projected to exceed USD 105 billion in retail value by 2026, growing at 5.1% annually. Premium footwear categories above USD 120 per pair account for nearly 39% of unit revenue, where high-performance TPU and SEBS materials are dominant.
Nearshoring initiatives are reshaping procurement strategies. For example, regional footwear assembly capacity in Mexico increased 11% between 2024 and 2026. This has stimulated localized elastomer sourcing to reduce shipping lead times by 12–15 days.
Recyclable compounds represent approximately 24% of total TPE consumption in North American footwear production, significantly above the global average of 18%. Sustainability mandates and corporate ESG frameworks are structurally supporting the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market across the region.
Europe Sustainability Momentum in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Europe represents 16% of global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market revenue, with Germany, Italy, and Spain leading high-performance footwear manufacturing.
European footwear production is expanding moderately at 3.9% annually; however, value growth exceeds volume growth due to premiumization. For example, 31% of new footwear models launched in Europe in 2026 contain partially recycled TPE components.
PVC substitution rates are highest in Europe, where regulatory pressures have accelerated the shift. Approximately 12% of PVC-based outsoles are being replaced annually by thermoplastic elastomers, reinforcing sustainable material transitions.
Bio-based SEBS production capacity in Europe has increased by 14% between 2024 and 2026. This supports rising demand within the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market for low-carbon material inputs.
Latin America and MEA Emerging Demand in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Latin America accounts for 9% of global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market volume, with Brazil and Mexico as key contributors. Brazil’s domestic footwear production is projected to exceed 950 million pairs in 2026, growing at 5.4% annually.
Local compounding capacity expanded 9% between 2024 and 2026, supporting regional supply chain resilience. TPE penetration in athletic footwear manufacturing increased from 49% in 2024 to 56% in 2026.
In the Middle East and Africa, urbanization rates exceeding 3% annually are supporting footwear consumption growth of 6.1%. Organized retail penetration rose from 32% to 39% between 2024 and 2026, indirectly strengthening the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market through higher-quality footwear demand.
Production Dynamics in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production is projected to exceed 2.9 million metric tons in 2026, increasing toward 3.8 million metric tons by 2032. Asia-Pacific contributes nearly 60% of total Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production, supported by integrated polymer manufacturing infrastructure.
China alone accounts for 1.1 million metric tons of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production annually. Southeast Asia collectively contributes approximately 620,000 metric tons. North America represents 420,000 metric tons of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production, while Europe contributes 380,000 metric tons.
Capacity expansion announcements between 2024 and 2026 added nearly 210,000 metric tons to global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production, primarily in Vietnam and India. Average plant utilization rates remain stable at 78–82%, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions.
Vertical integration among polymer manufacturers is strengthening feedstock security, reducing input volatility exposure within Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear production systems.
Material Segmentation in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is segmented by material type, application, end-user category, and hardness profile.
By Material Type:
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 34% revenue share
- SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene): 26%
- SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene): 18%
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefins): 12%
- Others (TPV, COPE): 10%
TPU remains dominant due to abrasion resistance and energy-return properties. SBS is widely used in cost-sensitive segments such as sandals and casual footwear. SEBS is expanding rapidly in medical-grade and children’s footwear due to superior flexibility and chemical stability.
Application Segmentation in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
By Application:
- Athletic Footwear: 52%
- Casual Footwear: 24%
- Industrial & Safety Footwear: 11%
- Sandals & Slippers: 8%
- Others: 5%
Athletic footwear continues to anchor the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market, supported by 6.8% annual growth in sports participation rates globally. Industrial footwear demand is rising at 5.7%, driven by infrastructure expansion in Asia and the Middle East.
Dual-density midsoles and injection-molded outsoles account for 47% of total TPE application volume in footwear manufacturing.
Hardness and Functional Segmentation in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Material hardness segmentation influences product design flexibility.
By Hardness:
- Shore A 20–40: 22% (soft cushioning components)
- Shore A 40–60: 38% (midsoles)
- Shore A 60–80: 28% (outsoles)
- Shore D grades: 12% (structural elements)
Lightweight expanded TPE grades are growing at 8.7% annually, reflecting demand for performance-driven footwear engineering.
Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price Analysis in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price in 2026 ranges between USD 2,100–3,400 per metric ton, depending on grade and region.
- TPU grades: USD 2,800–3,400/MT
- SBS grades: USD 2,100–2,600/MT
- SEBS grades: USD 2,700–3,200/MT
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price is influenced by styrene and polyol feedstock fluctuations, which show ±6% annual volatility.
Premium bio-based grades command 12–18% higher Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price due to limited supply and certification costs.
Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price Trend and Volatility Outlook
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price Trend between 2024 and 2026 shows moderate stabilization after previous raw material fluctuations. Average year-over-year price variation remains within ±4%.
In Asia-Pacific, the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price Trend reflects slightly lower price bands due to economies of scale and regional feedstock integration. North America and Europe observe 5–8% premium pricing driven by higher compliance and labor costs.
Forward contracts covering 6–12 months are increasingly adopted by footwear OEMs to hedge against Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price volatility. Approximately 46% of large-scale footwear manufacturers utilize fixed-price agreements to stabilize procurement budgets.
The projected Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Price Trend through 2028 indicates gradual 2–3% annual appreciation, primarily due to sustainability-driven grade upgrades and energy cost normalization.
Competitive Supply Landscape in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market remains moderately consolidated, with top global producers accounting for approximately 54% of total supply.
Regional compounders play a critical role in customized formulations. Customized compound demand is increasing at 7.3% annually, particularly for lightweight and recyclable blends.
Strategic partnerships between footwear brands and elastomer suppliers are intensifying. Co-development agreements now represent 19% of high-performance TPE sales volumes.
Top Manufacturers in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is characterized by the presence of global chemical majors, specialized elastomer producers, and regional compounders. Market leadership is largely determined by technical performance, innovation in expanded TPU grades, recycling capabilities, and long-term co-development relationships with footwear OEMs.
Key global manufacturers active in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market include:
- BASF
- Covestro
- Lubrizol
- Huntsman
- Wanhua Chemical
- Kraton
- LG Chem
- Trinseo
- Kuraray
- Asahi Kasei
These players collectively influence pricing structures, technological advancements, and supply chain strategies across major footwear manufacturing hubs.
BASF Positioning in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
BASF maintains a strong position in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market through its Infinergy® (expanded TPU) and Elastollan® (TPU) product lines. Infinergy® has become a widely adopted expanded TPU solution for high-performance running and sports footwear.
Expanded TPU midsoles offer energy return levels exceeding 55–60%, compared to 45–50% for conventional EVA foam. This performance differential supports BASF’s penetration in premium athletic footwear segments priced above USD 120 per pair.
BASF is estimated to account for approximately 12–15% of global Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market share, primarily in the premium and performance-oriented segment. Its competitive advantage lies in advanced E-TPU bead technology, steam chest molding compatibility, and recyclable midsole development programs.
Covestro Market Share in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Covestro is a significant supplier of TPU materials under the Desmopan® product family. The company focuses on lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and supercritical fluid (SCF) compatible TPU grades designed for injection molding and midsole foaming.
Desmopan® grades are widely used in athletic outsoles and structural footwear components. SCF-enabled TPU foaming technologies reduce material density by 10–15%, directly supporting lightweight footwear trends.
Covestro’s estimated Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market share ranges between 9–12%. The company’s strength lies in process optimization support for footwear manufacturers and growing emphasis on partially recycled TPU formulations.
Lubrizol Competitive Strategy in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Lubrizol operates in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market through its ESTANE® TPU portfolio. The company has expanded into physically foamed TPU midsoles and high-resilience grades targeting cushioning applications.
Foamed TPU solutions from Lubrizol demonstrate tensile strength above 25 MPa and improved compression set resistance compared to standard rubber. Such characteristics enhance durability in high-impact sports footwear.
Lubrizol is estimated to hold 8–10% share of the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market. Its differentiation strategy focuses on custom compounding and collaboration with global footwear brands in North America and Asia-Pacific.
Huntsman Presence in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Huntsman supplies TPU under the IROGRAN® and AVALON® product families. The company emphasizes expanded TPU and recyclable midsole technologies, supporting circular material initiatives.
Recyclable TPU systems allow up to 15–20% regrind reuse without significant performance loss, improving manufacturing efficiency. Huntsman’s market share in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is estimated between 6–9%, with strength in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Asian Manufacturers Expanding Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Share
Asian producers, including Wanhua Chemical, LG Chem, and regional compounders, collectively account for approximately 20–26% of the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
Wanhua has expanded TPU production capacity in China and Southeast Asia, focusing on cost-competitive grades for athletic and casual footwear. LG Chem leverages integrated petrochemical operations to maintain feedstock cost efficiency.
Regional compounders in Vietnam, Indonesia, and India play a critical role in localized supply chains. These companies specialize in custom blends for injection molding and compression molding applications, particularly in mid-range athletic and casual footwear.
Their growth is supported by:
- 13% expansion in Southeast Asian compounding capacity between 2024 and 2026
- Increasing footwear export volumes from Vietnam and Indonesia
- Rising domestic footwear demand in India growing at over 8% annually
Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market Share by Manufacturers
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market demonstrates moderate consolidation at the global level but fragmentation at the regional compounding level.
Estimated manufacturer market share distribution:
- Top 5 global players combined: 40–55%
- Regional Asian manufacturers: 20–26%
- Specialty SBC and SEBS suppliers: 8–12%
- Independent compounders and niche suppliers: 10–15%
Expanded TPU remains more concentrated among major multinational producers due to technical barriers and capital-intensive production requirements. In contrast, SBS and SEBS grades show higher regional fragmentation.
Market share leadership in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market depends on:
- Access to advanced foaming technologies
- Long-term supply contracts with global footwear brands
- Capacity to deliver recyclable and bio-based grades
- Process support for injection and multi-shot molding
Premium athletic footwear accounts for a disproportionate share of revenue contribution. For instance, although representing roughly 35–40% of total footwear units globally, premium segments contribute over 55% of high-grade TPU consumption value.
Competitive Dynamics in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Competition in the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is driven by performance metrics such as:
- Energy return percentage
- Abrasion resistance index
- Density reduction capability
- Recyclability rate
Manufacturers that offer lightweight SCF-compatible TPU and bio-based SEBS are gaining traction. Approximately 28% of new product development programs in 2026 include sustainability-linked material requirements.
Co-development agreements between elastomer suppliers and footwear OEMs now represent nearly 19% of high-performance TPU volumes. These collaborations secure long-term material supply and stabilize manufacturer market share positions.
Recent Developments in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
Recent industry developments indicate ongoing technological and capacity expansion activity within the Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market.
2024–2025:
- Expansion of expanded TPU production capacity in Southeast Asia to meet rising athletic footwear exports.
- Introduction of new SCF-compatible TPU grades to support lightweight injection molding technologies.
2025:
- Launch of next-generation physically foamed TPU systems optimized for improved resilience and reduced density.
- Increased investment in partially bio-based SEBS grades to align with European sustainability mandates.
2026:
- Capacity additions in India and Vietnam to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.
- Strategic partnerships between elastomer manufacturers and global sportswear brands focusing on recyclable mono-material footwear platforms.
Manufacturers are increasingly aligning R&D investments toward circularity. Recyclable midsole prototypes are projected to account for 22% of development pipelines by 2027.
Strategic Outlook for Manufacturers in Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market is shifting toward innovation-led competition. Market share growth is closely tied to expanded TPU adoption, lightweight material solutions, and sustainable product portfolios.
Manufacturers that combine production scale, feedstock integration, and advanced compounding expertise are expected to strengthen their Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market share through 2030.
Future competitive differentiation will rely on:
- Density reduction beyond 15%
- Increased recycled content above 30%
- Cost optimization despite feedstock volatility
- Regionalized supply chains for faster OEM servicing
The Thermoplastic Elastomers for Footwear Market continues to reward manufacturers capable of delivering high-performance, recyclable, and cost-efficient elastomer solutions aligned with evolving footwear engineering standards.
