Footwear manufacturers looking to boost the amount of recycled material in their shoes, without compromising quality, now have a brand-new insole technology at their disposal, Texon reports. Texon Ecoline is a revolutionary material that perfectly combines strength and sustainability, the UK based company says. Based on 85% recycled polyester (rPET), Texon Ecoline is 100% recyclable and up to 32% lighter than similar materials but delivers the same strength and performance as heavier substrates, Texon adds.

Texon Ecoline is produced via a special fusion-bonded process that enhances the internal bonding structure of the material’s fibres, which are randomly arranged. The manufacturing method is said to make the material stronger while retaining the thin, lightweight qualities required for insole applications. It is also more environmentally friendly, Texon says, using up to 50% less energy per square metre of material and consuming less water and chemicals.

In a further boost to Texon Ecoline’s environmental credentials, Texon has integrated the product into its take back program for solid waste recycling. The scheme enables footwear producers to return any offcuts to Texon to create more of the same product - reducing the amount of material sent to landfill and saving manufacturers money on waste disposal costs.

Explaining more, James Chandler, New Product Development Manager at Texon, commented: “Texon Ecoline is a breakthrough product that fits perfectly with our zero waste ambitions and the needs of our customers, who we know want strong, lightweight materials for nonwoven insoles, which are also highly sustainable. As a team we are incredibly proud of this product. Earlier this year we publicly declared our ambition to become a zero-waste business by 2025. As part of this commitment we’re scaling down our use of virgin materials and developing pioneering new solutions that allow us to take less from the planet and optimise what we already have. Texon Ecoline reflects this approach and proves it is possible to make high performance lightweight insoles from recycled material, without compromising performance or quality.”

Designed for use in cement lasted and vulcanised constructions, Texon Ecoline is said to be suitable for most types of footwear. According to Texon, the material offers excellent moisture absorption and dispersal qualities, which enhance foot comfort in all conditions. It also has a high sole bond adhesion with neoprene and PU adhesives, the company says.

Texon Ecoline is available in sheet form in a neutral colour or can be supplied in net form for better management of solid waste. Different gauges, manufacturing methods and treatments allow for versatility and a wide range of applications, without compromise, Texon concludes.

www.texon.com