Corporate News

February 19, 2019
API to Launch New Thermoabrasion Resistant APILON 52 TPU at SIMAC 2019

API, an Italian company specialized in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bioplastics which was acquired by global materials company Trinseo in July 2017, will be presenting the new recyclable TPU APILONTM 52 A/C-series at SIMAC Tanning Tech 2019, February 20 – 22, in Milan, Italy – Hall 14, Booth B45.  In order to demonstrate the advantages of this material solution in the production process, actual soles will be produced in a one-shot production solution at the trade show.

APILONTM 52 A/C series, a new lightweight footwear solution of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials, offers an outstanding combination of soft touch, aesthetics and lightness, and a very high thermoabrasion resistance comparable even with rubber according to DIN 53516. The recyclable material reduces production cycle time by up to 70 percent compared to thermosetting materials, like vulcanized rubber and EVA, cutting production costs and lowering energy consumption. The new TPU also offers excellent design flexibility, ideal for the highly demanding footwear segments.

A second material which will feature in the one-shot solution showcase at SIMAC 2019 is APILONTM 52 LIGHT, a TPU best suited to the production of midsoles. The lightweight recyclable material cuts down on production waste and has a lower environmental footprint than other low-density materials such as EVA and PU Foam. Its velvet and natural haptic characteristics are ideal for midsoles, and it offers design and molding flexibility.

Together the API materials enable a one-shot solution for dual density / bi-component soles in a single production step. No glue has to be used in this bonding process. This reduces costs associated with equipment such as molds and simplifies the labor-intensive assembling procedure. The one-shot solution will be presented at SIMAC 2019, as part of the MAIN GROUP booth - Hall 14, Booths D20+D36.  MAIN GROUP is a partner of API and a leading manufacturer of injection molding machines.

“We are very excited about APILONTM 52 A/C, as this product series, in combination with our APILONTM 52 LIGHT product, enables a fully recyclable one-shot solution,” said Giancarlo Busa, Business Unit Manager Footwear. “This quality will help us to extend our already strong offer in luxury footwear and to compete in the athletic and professional segments.”

About Trinseo

About API

API is an Italian company specialized in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bioplastics. Founded in 1956, API has developed a deep and proven experience based on continuous research into innovative, customized compounds for a wide range of applications. API was acquired by global materials company Trinseo in July 2017. For more information visit www.APIplastic.com and https://www.trinseo.com/API-Plastic.

About Trinseo

Trinseo (NYSE:TSE) is a global materials solutions provider and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders, and synthetic rubber. We are focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to help our customers create products that touch lives every day — products that are intrinsic to how we live our lives — across a wide range of end-markets, including automotive, consumer electronics, appliances, medical devices, lighting, electrical, carpet, paper and board, building and construction, and tires. Trinseo had approximately $4.6 billion in net sales in 2018, with 16 manufacturing sites around the world, and approximately 2,500 employees. For more information visit www.trinseo.com.

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