K2’s ‘Flowing’ running shoe featuring SCF-based TPU from Dongsung Chemical

Dongsung Chemical is supplying its newly developed sustainable, high-performance footwear materials to outdoor brand K2.

The company said its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin, marketed as Floathane™, has been integrated into the midsoles of K2’s ‘Flowing’ and ‘Flowing Lace’ running shoes.

Developed using proprietary supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming technology, the material represents a significant advancement in both performance and sustainable manufacturing.

The SCF foaming process utilizes nitrogen gas to create a fine, uniform cell structure. Floathane™, produced through this process, eliminates the need for chemical blowing agents, reducing its environmental impact. It is also lightweight and resilient, offering excellent shape recovery.

Floathane™ significantly enhances midsole performance. The air cells formed through the SCF foaming process act like springs, effectively absorbing and dispersing impact upon landing while converting it into energy to support forward motion.

The company plans to actively seek collaboration opportunities with major domestic and global footwear brands, leveraging Floathane™’s performance and environmental advantages. It will also offer customers fully integrated manufacturing support by establishing SCF injection foaming facilities for footwear at its Ulsan plant.

“Floathane™ meets both performance and sustainability needs in the footwear industry,” said Kim Man-sik, director of Dongsung Chemical’s TPU business division. “We will leverage our expertise in resin compounding and synthesis to deliver tailored solutions for a range of footwear applications.”