Top 10 Companies in the Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Industry (2024): Innovation Leaders Driving Material Advancements

In Business Insights
May 30, 2025


The Global Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Market was valued at USD 2.0 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.74 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032). This growth is driven by increasing demand from footwear, automotive, and electronics industries for lightweight, durable, and sustainable material solutions.

As industries seek advanced materials that combine performance with environmental responsibility, ETPU has emerged as a game-changer. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the ETPU Industry—from chemical giants to specialized manufacturers shaping the future of expanded polyurethane technologies.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Cellasto®, Infinergy® E-TPU

BASF is the global leader in ETPU solutions, with its Infinergy® brand setting industry standards for energy return and durability. The company supplies major footwear brands and automotive manufacturers with customized E-TPU solutions.

Innovation Focus:

  • Pioneer of biodegradable E-TPU formulations

  • Strategic partnerships with athletic footwear brands

  • Focus on circular economy solutions for E-TPU

Download FREE Sample Report: Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Estane® TPU, Pearlthane® ECO

Lubrizol’s advanced TPU technologies form the basis for high-performance ETPU applications. The company has developed specialized foaming processes for automotive and industrial applications.

Innovation Focus:

  • Bio-based TPU formulations for sustainable E-TPU

  • Advanced compounding technologies for enhanced properties


8️⃣ 3. Qingdao Zhongcheng Polycell Technology

Headquarters: Qingdao, China
Key Offering: Custom E-TPU formulations

As China’s leading ETPU specialist, Qingdao Zhongcheng serves the booming Asian market with competitive solutions for footwear midsoles and industrial applications.

Innovation Focus:

  • Cost-effective ETPU production technologies

  • Rapid prototyping services for manufacturers


7️⃣ 4. Ningbo GMF New Material Technology

Headquarters: Ningbo, China
Key Offering: GMF® E-TPU granules

Ningbo GMF specializes in high-rebound ETPU materials for footwear and sports equipment, with growing adoption in the Asian market.

Innovation Focus:

  • Colored E-TPU solutions for product differentiation

  • Improved compression set resistance formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Guangzhou Tianming Synthetic Material Technology

Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
Key Offering: TM E-TPU series

This Chinese innovator has developed proprietary foaming technologies for ETPU, particularly for the footwear and automotive cushioning markets.

Innovation Focus:

  • High-density ETPU for industrial applications

  • Custom hardness and rebound formulations


5️⃣ 6. HSV Moulded Foams

Headquarters: Walsall, UK
Key Offering: Specialized ETPU components

HSV specializes in molded ETPU solutions for automotive, medical, and industrial applications, with strong expertise in complex geometries.

Innovation Focus:

  • Precision molding technologies for E-TPU

  • Hybrid material solutions combining ETPU with other polymers


4️⃣ 7. IMG plastec

Headquarters: Perrysburg, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Custom ETPU formulations

IMG plastec serves North American manufacturers with specialized ETPU compounds for diverse industrial applications.

Innovation Focus:

  • Flame-retardant ETPU formulations

  • High-temperature resistant E-TPU grades


3️⃣ 8. GRECO

Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Key Offering: Evo® E-TPU

GRECO brings European innovation to the ETPU market with a focus on sustainable material solutions for footwear and consumer goods.

Innovation Focus:

  • Recyclable ETPU systems

  • Low-density foam technologies


2️⃣ 9. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Irogran® TPU for expansion

While not an ETPU producer, Huntsman supplies key TPU materials that form the basis for many ETPU formulations globally.

Innovation Focus:

  • Thermally stable TPU for expansion processes

  • Specialty additives for ETPU production


1️⃣ 10. Wanhua Chemical

Headquarters: Yantai, China
Key Offering: Wanthane® TPU for expansion

As China’s TPU giant, Wanhua supplies base materials for many ETPU producers in Asia, with growing direct involvement in expanded formulations.

Innovation Focus:

  • Cost-competitive TPU for mass ETPU production

  • Tailored molecular structures for optimal expansion

Get Full Report Here: Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of ETPU Is Performance and Sustainability

The ETPU market is evolving rapidly as industries demand materials that combine performance with environmental responsibility. Manufacturers are investing heavily in sustainable production methods and recyclable formulations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption in athletic and casual footwear markets

  • Growing automotive applications for noise reduction and lightweighting

  • Development of bio-based and recycled ETPU formulations

  • Expansion into medical and industrial damping applications

Get Full Report Here: Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying materials—they’re redefining the boundaries of polymer science to meet tomorrow’s material challenges.