Dow, in Michigan, USA, announced the launch of ENGAGE REN, an innovative and more sustainable brand extension of the ENGAGE family of high-performance polyolefin elastomers (POE).
The Dow brand of high-performance polyolefin elastomers will help the footwear industry unlock a lower carbon footprint and develop more sustainable products with the same high-performance results.
Some of the key advantages that ENGAGE REN will provide to shoe manufacturers include: 1. Improved foam quality and polymer consistency 2. Good resilience 3. Lighter foam with equivalent hardness 4. Improved abrasion resistance and durability, when When used with other recycled materials, brands will be able to offer their customers a more complete selection of sustainable footwear.
These products will soon be available to sustainability-conscious consumers thanks to Dow's partnership with footwear brand Crocs. Dow has begun supplying plant-based polymers for use in the manufacture of Crocs' proprietary Croslite material, which has even lower CO2 emissions than existing materials. Over time, the company will take a mass balance approach to expanding the percentage of plant-based polymers in its footwear. Crocs is the first footwear brand to enter the market with this new material technology.
Sustainable biomaterials
ENGAGEREN Polyolefin Elastomers (POE) are produced using renewable energy and vegetable raw materials such as used cooking oil. Since only waste residues or by-products from the alternative production process are used, these raw materials do not consume additional land resources and do not compete with the food chain.
ENGAGEREN bio-attribute polymers provide the same performance as fossil-based polymers in the end application and therefore do not require reformulation.
Imran Munshi, global market manager for biopolymers and consumers at Dow, said: "Manufacturers, brands, retailers and consumers are recognizing their role in reducing the impact of climate change and are looking for more sustainable options. Combining a lower carbon footprint with the need for high performance, ENGAGE REN provides the footwear industry with an innovative solution that enhances the sustainability of their products while maintaining their commitment to Dow's high performance results. Expect. We are committed to enabling our customers to reduce their carbon impact and achieve their sustainability goals, and we are excited about how this innovation is driving the market towards more sustainable materials.”
