This project successfully achieved recycling polyurethane for its reuse as soles.
To obtain soles of recycled polyurethane, the polyurethane foam waste was degraded chemically. The result was the original compounds, out of which soles were fabricated again. These soles are environmentally friendlier and less contaminating. The first prototypes of recycled polyurethane soles for normal and professional footwear showed to be an environmental success, pioneering the field nationally. This research has also contributed towards creating awareness on the added value of this waste, reducing the cost of the production and the final product. Hereby, the CTCR becomes a leading focal point at European and national level for waste management and waste reduction.
The Footwear Technology Center of La Rioja has carried out this project in collaboration with the Technological Center Cartif and the footwear manufacturer Garmaryga and rubber manufacturer Cauchos Ruiz-Alejos. This project was beneficiary of the Innpacto 2012 program from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
