Covestro TPU expansion in Taiwan

Covestro has completed the expansion of its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capacity at its Changhua manufacturing site in Taiwan, according to Knitting Industry.com. The company predicts that the plant will cater to the Asia Pacific region’s market needs, including providing bio-based TPU.

TPU is used for flexibility and performance in the footwear and automotive markets as well as in IT.  The elastomer offers light weight, comfort, high abrasion resistance, shear strength, elasticity, recyclability and resistance to oil and grease, the company says.  Because of its qualities, TPU is used in many parts of footwear, included uppers, shanks, insole, midsole, outsole and heel cups, as well as logos on shoes. Covestro states that its TPU integrates with the single knitting process in the footwear industry.

The company expects the plant in Taiwan to be an integral part of supplying a growing number of footwear supply chains moving to Asia.