#Far Eastern New Century #Sustainable Footwear #rTPEE

Revolutionizing Footwear with Sustainable Midsoles

In a groundbreaking initiative, Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) has introduced the world's first footwear midsoles made entirely from recycled post-consumer PET bottles. This innovative leap forward signals a significant advancement in sustainable materials for the footwear industry, allowing brands to create products that are both environmentally responsible and high-performing.

The Leap into Sustainability

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Taiwan, FENC has long been a pioneer in eco-friendly polyester materials, distinguished by its commitment to innovation and sustainable development. In 2025, the company made headlines by successfully transforming rigid PET bottles into a new recycled thermoplastic polyester elastomer (rTPEE). This material not only excels in performance factors such as elasticity and cushioning but also significantly reduces carbon footprints—by as much as 30% compared to traditional petroleum-derived elastomers.

Already, FENC's rTPEE has been commercialized and is being supplied to reputable brands like the French outdoor sports label Salomon for its Solamphibian amphibious shoes. This collaboration highlights a growing acknowledgment of the importance of sustainability in the retail sector, particularly in footwear, where consumer awareness is rapidly increasing.

Addressing Recycling Challenges

FENC’s innovation extends beyond just midsoles; it has leveraged its expertise in polyester to develop a range of shoe components made from recycled materials. This includes shoe uppers, laces, insoles, and more, all designed to work together seamlessly in a fully recyclable manner. The company's approach tackles one of the footwear industry's enduring challenges—the complexity of recycling multiple shoe components that are often made from different materials.

In addition to rTPEE, the company has introduced the FENC® TopGreen® AirTek PU technology, which innovatively utilizes CO₂ captured from industrial processes as a raw material. This method avoids the use of harmful substances traditionally involved in polyurethane production, such as isocyanates, marking a notable advancement in safety and sustainability. As a result, this technology can achieve a carbon emissions reduction of up to 58% compared to standard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Recognition and Industry Impact

FENC's efforts have not gone unnoticed; the company garnered the Second Prize at the Innovation Award