Industry-leading insole manufacturer OrthoLite has revealed a new midsole foam, one that it stated is scalable and fully recyclable. OrthoLite believes this innovation will allow its brand partners to reach their climate and sustainability product goals.
The new midsole foam is called Cirql rTPU30, one that OrthoLite stated meets 2024 compliance standards by incorporating Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified 30 percent post-consumer recycled TPU materials directly into the foam. Also, it is manufactured through a chemical-free, supercritical foaming process.
“The footwear industry suffers from lack of transparency, traceability and third party certifications when it comes to claims about sustainability and sources of materials that are used in products,” Matt Thwaites, vice president and general manager at Cirql, told FN. “At Cirql, we will set a new standard for the industry. The recycled content in Cirql rTPU30 is GRS certified and we will provide traceability certificates.”
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This foaming process, according to OrthoLite, is a patented technique exclusive to Cirql, a midsole-focused subsidiary of the company. (In March 2022, OrthoLite made its midsole debut with its Cirql biodegradable, recyclable and industrially compostable midsole foam.)
Thwaites said this midsole solution is needed now more than ever before.
“There are tens of billions of pairs of shoes thrown into landfill sites every year and most of them are using non-recyclable midsole materials. The common goal [of Cirql] is keeping the waste out of the landfills and getting it to the recycling centers where they can process it into new materials for us,” said Thwaites.
OrthoLite stated Cirql rTPU30 was tested by third-party labs for specifications and durability, and that it passed all existing tests for midsole specs.
Cirql rTPU30 will be offered with a co-molded TPU outsole option, the company said, that will remove the current bonding process and make it a glueless, single material bottom unit. Also, OrthoLite stated Cirql’s midsole foam innovations can also be conventionally bonded to all outsoles on the market today.
Thwaites said Cirql rTPU30 is ideal for comfort and lifestyle shoes, as well as for golf footwear. Specifically for golf, Thwaites explained the midsole foam will work well as the wearer requires more support and a higher density material underfoot, and is a great option because the shoes are often built with TPU outsoles.
OrthoLite confirmed Cirql has recyclable injection foam currently has 29 patents filed worldwide, and of those patents, 16 are granted and in effect.
Cirql rTPU30, according to OrtoLite, will be available to footwear brands starting in the second quarter of 2024, and Thwaites stated the company is ready if brands would like to to fast-track it into their product lines before year’s end.
Thwaites said the company cannot mention specific brands that have inquired about Cirql rTPU30 or the timing of product launches due to confidentiality agreements, however he did confirm there have been inquiries from brands globally, both big and small, who are looking for recycled material solutions to help achieve sustainability goals.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
