The only PU on the market with full biodegradability and zero microplastics.
Sustainable Technology
Our materials are cost-competitive, high performance and versatile.
Soleic PU creates low-density and mid-density foams for applications including footwear and furniture components. We work with partners to develop formulations to specification.
Our chemical systems are rigorously tested to meet the highest industry standards.
Properties
Performance range
Hardness (Asker C)
Range of 30-75
Density (kg/m3)
290 ± 10 to 790 ± 20
Tensile Strength (kg/cm2)
Range of 21-85
Die-C Tear Strength (kg/cm)
7.2-22
Elongation at Break (%)
348-525
Compression Set (%)
16-29
Abrasion Resistance (mm3)
214 +/- 36 to 81 +/- 36
Versatile Applications
AB PU has multi-purpose product uses as Soleic Foam, from footwear to furniture.
Foam for furniture
Outsole grade urethane
Soft foams for footwear bottoms
FAQ
Price, Performance, Materials
How price competitive are Soleic plant-based systems when compared to petro-chemical systems?
Soleic is affordably priced for the markets and applications that are currently using them. While this price is currently higher than traditional systems, the broader adoption of Soleic material by more producers and customers will allow us to scale its production and thus lower its price to reduce this gap. In the coming years there will be additional burdens placed on users of petroleum based materials – the total cost of traditional materials will therefore rise and ours will reduce.
I’m a product designer. What is possible with Soleic polyurethane materials, and would I have to approach product design differently?
In terms of applications for product design, there is very little difference between Soleic and similar petrochemical materials. We work directly with partners to develop formulations that adapt precisely to their needs. Because Soleic biodegrades, our materials give designers an opportunity to design not only for the use of the product, but also for an environmentally-friendly end of life.
How can a material that is biodegradable also be high quality and durable?
Biodegradation and durability are two separate properties. We design our materials to meet or exceed the performance metrics of their petroleum counterparts. That means Soleic products are high quality and durable during their typical product lifetime and will only biodegrade under specific conditions. To biodegrade, our materials must be constantly exposed to a microorganism-rich environment containing water. Responsible disposal means being buried in soil or compost, though Soleic materials will also degrade if they end up in the ocean. However, if your Soleic products get dirty from mud or walks on the beach, washing and drying them like you would with your petroleum-based products will prevent biodegradation.
How long does the material take to biodegrade?
The rate of biodegradation varies depending upon the environment that the material is placed in at the end of its use. Generally our materials fully biodegrade in 6 months to 2 years under home composting conditions.
Sustainability
How will you help us lower our carbon footprint and with my Scope 3 reductions?
Soleic has proven to reduce GHG emissions and carbon footprint for material production compared to petrochemical materials. Based on calculations from publicly available LCAs from Argonne National Laboratory, our materials result in 60% - 84% GHG emissions reductions. We contribute to both upstream and downstream Scope 3 reductions due to the plant-based, non-petroleum origins of our material technology, as well as its fully biodegradable end of life that reduces the Scope 3 impacts of plastic pollution and persistent microplastics.
What is the current level of bio content in Soleic materials, and what can we expect in coming years? How do you source your plant oil?
The bio-content of Soleic products today is in excess of 50%, and our scientists can achieve >90% with technology currently in development. We have multiple proprietary suppliers of plant oils, and take care to source as sustainably as possible. This means not competing with food sources or contributing to deforestation.
What certifications does Soleic have?
Soleic’s biocontent is certified under USDA Biopreferred, while its biodegradation has been verified under ASTM D5338 performed by Eden Research Labs. We also have published 12 peer-reviewed scientific publications validating our technology claims. We have certified one of our exemplar foams, 57F, under USDA Biopreferred and will continue to seek USDA Biopreferred certification for new foam formulations.
How do I dispose of Soleic materials at its end of life?
Soleic materials are biodegradable – we have demonstrated that they don’t persist in environments such as soil, compost, or ocean waters. Nevertheless, Soleic does not condone littering! We recommend home composting your Soleic product when you are done with it.
Supply chain
How will Soleic support me globally in manufacturing and distribution channels?
We continue to add strategic manufacturing and distribution partners in all regions to support our customers wherever they need to do business with Soleic materials.
What support will Soleic provide to transition to your material within my current production set-up?
We are an agile organization and can tailor our support to meet the needs of the customer and opportunity in question. Our formulations and science team works directly with partners to adjust and adapt as needed throughout the transition process.
If I partner with Soleic, what will the collaboration look like in practice?
Soleic’s team of industry veterans and scientists will work closely with you to fit our chemical systems to your product. We commit to showing up honestly for our partners throughout the process.
