huntsman extends footwear range with plasticizer-free soft tpu

HUNTSMAN EXTENDS FOOTWEAR RANGE
WITH PLASTICIZER-FREE SOFT TPU
AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD TPU delivers excellent bonding strength for roundtable casting
EVERBERG, Belgium – Huntsman today announces the launch of AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD, a
plasticizer-free, soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that gives manufacturers the bonding
strength and mechanical properties required to more easily make high-quality footwear –
particularly safety shoes with electro-static dissipation (ESD) features – on roundtable machines.
AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD TPU was developed to meet growing market demand for a soft footwear
outsole capable of reaching a hardness of 60 Shore A. The zero plasticizer solution can offer
improved speed and strength of bonding to suitable polyurethane (PU) midsole materials typically
used in double density constructions.
Extensively tested and proven for production of all types of high quality footwear, AVALON ® 60 AE-
ESD TPU is suited to the rigorous demands of the safety footwear sector. Combining softness with
flexural strength, it is designed to make shoes that are comfortable yet hard wearing enough to
withstand challenging conditions. It also fulfils the exacting requirements of safety shoe standard
DIN EN ISO 20345.
With none of the bonding problems or disadvantages typically associated with plasticizer migration,
AVALON 60 ® AE-ESD TPU offers many technical benefits including electro-static dissipation,
abrasion, slip and flexural fatigue resistance. Eliminating the risk of plasticizer migration also
improves the aesthetic appearance of footwear by removing the risk of visible plasticizer marks on
footwear soles that could form an unsightly white or oily layer.
AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD TPU has been designed especially for manufacturers that use roundtable
machine casting. This direct-molded process gives manufacturers the flexibility to produce a fully
assembled shoe in a single easy step.
Thomas Bloechl, Product Manager Footwear TPU Europe, Huntsman Polyurethanes, said, “The
development of AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD TPU reinforces Huntsman’s commitment as an innovation
leader that can deliver technically superior chemistries to add value and create competitive edge for
our footwear customers. Reflecting industry trends, this product meets market demand for
plasticizer-free materials that are soft yet tough at the same time. As a significant addition to our

ange, AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD gives footwear manufacturers even more freedom to make exciting,
differentiated products.”
Huntsman’s range of footwear polyurethanes are easy to process, entail relatively low tooling and
manpower costs, offer flexibility for long and short production runs. They bond easily to many types
of uppers and to complementary soling materials and comply with the highest environmental
standards. The range is complemented by technical expertise and support to create high quality
safety, fashion, sports, casual and hiking footwear.
For further information about AVALON ® 60 AE-ESD TPU and Huntsman’s capabilities in the
footwear industry, please contact: footwear@huntsman.com or go to
www.huntsman.com/pu/footwear
AVALON ® is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more,
but not all, countries.
(ends)
About Huntsman Polyurethanes
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Our operating
companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics,
automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture,
health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for
pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals,
Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide.
The Company had 2011 revenues of over $11 billion. For more information about Huntsman,
please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements
are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in
this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and
uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and
other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to,
financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors.
The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should
circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.