The Global Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Market was valued at USD 4.02 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.35 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the forecast period (2025–2034). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for high-performance and comfortable footwear, rising health consciousness, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable and bio-based material variants across athletic, casual, and safety footwear segments.

As the footwear industry transforms toward greater performance, comfort, and sustainability, the spotlight is on the key material suppliers who are driving polymer innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and eco-friendly material pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialized compounders, and material pioneers shaping the future of global footwear.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Elastollan® TPU, Cellasto® Microcellular Polyurethane, Bio-based PU Solutions

BASF is a global leader in polyurethane chemistry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of advanced materials specifically engineered for footwear applications. Their Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethanes are renowned for their high elasticity, abrasion resistance, and processing versatility, making them ideal for shoe soles, straps, and other components requiring durability and comfort.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and recycled content TPU formulations

• Partnerships with major footwear brands for closed-loop material cycles

• Committed to achieving carbon-neutral growth by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Covestro AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Desmodur® and Desmophen® for CPU, Texin® and Desmopan® TPU

Covestro is a key innovator in high-performance polyurethane materials, serving the footwear industry with solutions for both direct casting (CPU) and thermoplastic processing (TPU). Their materials are engineered for lightweight construction, exceptional cushioning, and long-lasting performance in demanding applications from running shoes to work boots.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Strategic investment in CO2-based raw materials for polyurethane production

• Collaboration with value chain partners to develop recyclable shoe concepts

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8️⃣ 3. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Irogran® TPU, Rubiflex® Binders, Specialty Polyols for Footwear

Huntsman’s polyurethanes division provides advanced material systems for footwear manufacturers worldwide. Their expertise spans from flexible foam systems for midsoles to durable TPU for outsoles, focusing on delivering a balance of performance, comfort, and processing efficiency for high-volume production.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-VOC and low-emission material systems

• SAF supply partnerships with footwear brands focused on circular economy principles

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7️⃣ 4. Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Yantai, China
Key Offering: Wanthane® TPU, MDI and Polyols for Footwear Foams

Wanhua Chemical has emerged as a formidable global player, leveraging its massive integrated production of MDI (a key polyurethane raw material) to supply competitive and high-performance materials to the footwear industry. Their Wanthane® TPU series is widely used in shoe manufacturing across Asia and beyond.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in bio-based aniline research for greener MDI production

• Waterborne polyurethane systems to reduce environmental impact

Download FREE Sample Report: Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: TPU, High-functional Elastomers, Adhesive Technologies

Mitsui Chemicals brings extensive expertise in polymer science to the footwear market, offering specialized polyurethane materials known for their consistency and high quality. Their solutions cater to premium athletic and casual footwear brands seeking advanced cushioning, bonding, and durability characteristics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on material solutions that enhance product longevity and recyclability

• R&D into chemical recycling technologies for polyurethane waste

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5️⃣ 6. Lubrizol Corporation (A Berkshire Hathaway Company)

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Estane® TPU, Engineered Polymers for Footwear

Lubrizol is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, with its Estane® TPU being a preferred material for high-performance footwear components. The company is recognized for its innovation in creating materials that offer superior feel, flexibility, and resilience, which are critical for athletic and outdoor footwear.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of TPUs with bio-renewable content

• Portfolio expansion to include solutions designed for easier end-of-life recycling

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4️⃣ 7. Huafon Group

Headquarters: Ruian, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: TPU, CPU, Specialty Polyurethane Elastomers

Huafon Group is a major Chinese manufacturer of polyurethane materials, with a significant footprint in the domestic and international footwear markets. The company supplies a wide range of TPU and CPU products that are valued for their cost-effectiveness and reliable performance in various shoe applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on production efficiency and waste reduction

• Investment in R&D for more environmentally friendly material alternatives

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3️⃣ 8. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KURARITY® acrylic thermoplastic elastomers, SEPTON® TPEs

While known for its elastomers, Kuraray offers material solutions that complement and compete with polyurethane in footwear applications. Their materials are often used for components requiring soft touch, transparency, and oil resistance, providing footwear designers with alternative pathways to achieve specific performance goals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of sustainable elastomer platforms

• Emphasis on material durability to extend product life cycles

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2️⃣ 9. Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Custom TPU Compounds, Bio-TPU, Specialty Footwear Materials

Anli Material Technology is a specialized manufacturer focusing on high-value polyurethane compounds for the footwear industry. The company excels at developing custom formulations to meet the specific requirements of footwear brands, particularly in the areas of color, texture, and functional properties.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Specialization in bio-based and biodegradable TPU options

• Close collaboration with brands on sustainable material development projects

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1️⃣ 10. Coim Group

Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Key Offering: polyester and polyether-based TPU, Aromatic and Aliphatic Pre-polymers

Coim Group is an international chemical company with a strong focus on polyurethane specialties for various markets, including footwear. They provide a range of TPUs and pre-polymers that are used in the production of high-quality shoe soles and other components, particularly serving the European market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Product portfolio includes bio-based and recycled content solutions

• Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of their production processes

Get Full Report Here: Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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👟 Outlook: The Future of Footwear Materials Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The polyurethane modified materials market for footwear is undergoing a significant evolution. While traditional formulations continue to dominate in volume, the industry is investing heavily in bio-based alternatives, advanced manufacturing technologies, and circular economy models.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid expansion of bio-based and recycled content PU capacity globally

• Regulatory and consumer push for greater material transparency and recyclability

• Digitalization of material design and integration with 3D printing technologies

• Footwear brand-material company alliances for cradle-to-cradle product development

Get Full Report Here: Polyurethane Modified Materials for Footwear Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying the materials for tomorrow’s footwear—they’re spearheading the sustainable transformation of the entire industry.