SK chemicals, Dongsung Chemical and Black Yah collaborate on sustainable footwear

SK chemicals, Dongsung Chemical and Black Yan collaborated on developing sustainable footwear materials using naturally-derived material and applied them to Black Yan’s Trekking Shoes 343 MAX.

SK chemicals, Dongsung Chemical collaborated to develop bio-based material and applied to Black Yan’s Trekking Shoes 343 MAX.

SK chemicals is the supplier of 100% bio-based polyol ECOTRION while Dongsung Chemical develops the bio-polyurethane resin NEOPAN for footwear using this as a raw material. Black Yak then utilizes this material and produces the Foot Pillow Cushioning Foam, which is applied to the heel support layer of the midsole to minimize loading on the ankle and knee joints.

ECOTRION is an eco-friendly material that uses raw materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40% in comparison to conventional petrochemical raw materials. It is utilized in making spandex, artificial leather, and urethane elastic materials that are challenging to recycle.

With one less carbon atom in its chemical structure compared to petrochemical materials, ECOTRION has a helical-shaped polymer structure that enables the production of products with high elastic resilience, similar to a spring.

Produced by ECOTRION, bio-polyurethane resin NEOPAN maintains the high elasticity and flexibility of existing polyurethane resins while using bio-based raw materials, providing the shock absorption function of the Foot Pillow Cushioning Foam.

The trekking shoes 343 MAX launched by Black Yak are being evaluated as a product that possesses both the technology of hiking shoes and the flexibility and cushioning of sports shoes.

SK chemicals and Dongsung Chemical plan to gradually expand the bio-material market in the sports and fashion fields through active collaboration with major domestic and international brands.