look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

TPU Hydration Packs Help Hikers Stay Hydrated This Season

This season, as the air gets warmer, you may find yourself reaching for a hike-friendly hydration pack made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). As temperatures start to rise, these containers offer a hassle-free way for parched hikers to stay hydrated as they slide into a custom-made backpack.

The Merits of a TPU Hydration Pack

TPU is a lightweight, stretchy and durable material favored by many hikers. It stands up to the rigors of life on the trail. Yet, a hydration pack made out of TPU softly conforms to the contours of the wearer’s back, providing a seamless custom fit.

Great for...

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Introducing the World’s First Thermoplastic Polyurethane Made from Consumer Plastic Waste

Creativity is a hallmark of the plastics industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the possibilities of making familiar products better, more durable and sustainable, innovators are hard at work extending the useful life of materials.

Today, Novoloop, a California-based company, is helping bring us one step closer to closing the loop on the “circular economy” with the creation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) made from plastic waste. The circular economy is a concept that drives the creation of new materials from old materials—sometimes more than once.

Making TPU from Old Plastic Packaging

Novoloop takes old plastic packaging, like grocery bags,...

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Recyclable Polyurethane Sportswear Helps Close the Loop on the Circular Economy

From ski poles to ski jackets and pants and even to the skis and snow boards themselves, frequent readers of this blog know that polyurethane plays a big role in helping athletes maneuver slopes during winter months. With consumer demand growing for products that help close the loop on the circular economy, companies that make goods using polyurethane are now creating new products from the polyurethane found in old sportswear.

Creating Recycled TPU Filament for 3D Printing

One company tackling the problem of what to do with old ski boots is CREAMELT®, a Switzerland-based developer and 3D printing filament manufacturer. The company...

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Polyurethane Track Systems Help Athletes Go for the Gold

From the performance clothing athletes wear to the equipment they use, like the coating on a discus or a javelin, polyurethane is a fixture in the sport of track and field. But, did you know that in some cases, a running track itself is made possible by polyurethane? At the high school, college and professional levels, more track and field facilities are installing track systems that utilize polyurethane as a critical component in their design. The track system itself is comprised of rubber crumbs in which polyurethane is used as the binding agent that keeps it all together.

A Hospitable...

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What is “workleisure” — and is it here to stay?

Polyurethane has long been a key component in exercise clothing. The features polyurethane brings to this apparel —stretch, water resistance, durability and light weight — have made it indispensable in fabrics that need to perform in the gym or out in the elements while allowing the wearer freedom of movement. 

Those same characteristics have had an unexpected side benefit: exercise clothing is extremely comfortable to wear. The athleisure trend — essentially, wearing clothing that is designed for or styled like exercise clothing even when not exercising — was already in full swing prior to the pandemic. 

Then, suddenly we were...

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Take a hike with polyurethane

Hiking is a great exercise that allows you to soak in the fresh air. Having the right gear for your hike can make it so much more enjoyable. Polyurethane is a key component in many of the items you’ll need to make your hike successful. 

Water coolers

Making a plan to stay hydrated is one of the most important aspects of your pre-hike preparation. It’s possible that you won’t be near a source of drinkable water, and while any water is better than none, it’s nice to be able to keep your drinking water at a refreshing temperature. 

Many water...

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Polyurethane helps conquer unique challenges for face masks

Today, face coverings have become a part of our daily lives and a necessity whenever we’re outside the home. In the early days of the pandemic, medical masks and N95-style masks were our only options — and often in short supply. Soon, manufacturers of all kinds stepped forward to fill the void and now a wide variety of non-medical masks are available in a range of styles, colors and prices. Polyurethane has proven itself an indispensable material as some manufacturers look to create masks like these that cater to specific scenarios. 

A mask that can handle your workout

For athletes...

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Polyurethane’s Gone Fishin’

Advances in fishing technology are making it easier for avid anglers to reel in those really big catches, and polyurethane often plays a vital role. From rods and reels to fishing line and tackle, you may be surprised to learn how many different products for fishermen frequently contain polyurethane. 

Tackle — Polyurethane is versatile. It can be created to mimic almost any shape. It also can be made in a variety of colors and patterns and to varying degrees of hardness. Thanks to this versatility, polyurethane is a choice material for use in fishing tackle. For example, a brightly-colored polyurethane lure may...

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Polyurethane is at the Plate this Summer

Whether it is the crack of a bat, the call of the umpire or the whistle of the ball as it goes whizzing by, few things are a more significant sign of summer than baseball season. Did you know that polyurethane plays a vital role in America’s pastime? As you watch this summer’s games, keep your eyes open for gear and equipment designed using polyurethane. 

Bats

Look at that wooden bat. Now, look even closer. The coating of the bat — or the resin — is probably made from polyurethane. Bat makers want their coatings to have strong adhesion properties,...

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