November 29, 2024 – Hong Kong’s renowned running shoe brand, Mount to Coast, has recently made a groundbreaking move by incorporating BASF’s ecoflex BMB bioplastic into its ultra-running shoe line, unveiling the innovative CircleCELL midsole. This pioneering step marks a significant shift towards replacing traditional Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) materials.
The ecoflex biopolymer by BASF, a biodegradable and compostable PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) material, stands out for its blend of fossil-based and renewable raw materials. Notably, ecoflex BMB, distinguished by its BMB suffix, integrates renewable resources such as organic waste and biomass residuals from the outset of production. These renewable materials are precisely traced and attributed to the final product through rigorous certifications like REDcert and ISCC Plus, ensuring the biomass balance characteristics of the product.
According to industry insights from AsiaMB, Mount to Coast has skillfully increased the proportion of renewable feedstocks in the foaming process of the CircleCELL midsole, without compromising the essential attributes required for performance footwear, particularly durability. Real-world tests have demonstrated that the midsole made from the new ecoflex BMB biopolymer exhibits a remarkable 90% improvement in durability compared to conventional PEBA midsoles. Furthermore, internal tests conducted by BASF reveal that ecoflex BMB outperforms other midsole materials in terms of density and resilience.
This innovation not only underscores Mount to Coast’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also highlights BASF’s technical prowess in the field of bioplastics. By adopting ecoflex BMB bioplastic, Mount to Coast’s ultra-running shoes have achieved a dual enhancement in both eco-friendliness and performance, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the footwear industry.