POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane: the reasons for choosing it

Polyurethanes are obtained from a diisocyanate (aromatic or aliphatic) and a polyol (typically a polypropylene glycol and a polyester diol), with catalysts to increase the reaction and other additives to give specific characteristics to the end material.

Polyurethanes contain millions of miniscule air bubbles which allow the designers to create ultra-light, comfortable footwear that is resistant to abrasions and offers excellent thermal insulation.

Maximum protection from external agents

Auto-internal thermal regulation

Bubble structure that determines lightness and insulation

The process of injecting the polyurethane is performed by sophisticated rotary machines on which the different moulds and shapes are mounted as required.

The injection process can be done horizontally or vertically, but in our factory, we use the second method which allows the air bubbles to be pushed towards the upper part of the boot, thus ensuring maximum robustness in the critical points.

The footwear is formed directly in the mould and does not require the use of glue or assembly materials.

BASF is one of the biggest chemical companies in the world which “creates chemicals for a sustainable future”.

Nora boots are produced with Elastopan ®, their top-of-the-range polyurethane.

Polyurethane has more unique, rather than rare, physical and mechanical properties:

resistance to both high and low temperatures
better insulation than any other material
ability to absorb vibrations and energy
safety, durability, comfort
visual and structural lightness and softness

Polyurethane: sustainable lightness

The LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) studies carried out have ascertained that polyurethane is an eco-friendly material.

These studies demonstrate and certify the impact of a product throughout its life cycle on the environment, starting with the resources used to manufacture it through a series of well-defined parameters, such as the GER (Gross Energy Requirement) and GWP100 (Global Warming Potential). The GER indicates the amount of energy required overall for the production of a specific material while the GWP100 indicates the potential greenhouse effect for 100 years.

What are the characteristics which make polyurethane eco-friendly?

low energy consumption required to produce the raw materials
minimum energy requirement in the production process
no waste by-products, emissions in the atmosphere or discharges

Polyurethane is an inert material which does not release fibres and does not produce pollution when disposed of in landfills