CovationBio Unveils World's First Non-Food Biobased Sports Insole at NW Materials Show

CovationBio Unveils Biobased Sports Insole

Covation Biomaterials LLC, known as CovationBio, is setting a new standard in sustainable footwear by launching the world's first biobased sports insole made from non-food materials, branded as Xatryx®. This innovative product is set to debut at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon, marking a significant milestone in the company's pursuit of sustainability in the materials sector.

In early September 2026, CovationBio announced the successful commercial production of its Xatryx® bioTHF and bioPTMEG, which meet rigorous industry specifications. The production occurs at their new facility in Qidong, China, which launched operations in April 2026, achieving an impressive capacity of 50,000 tons per year. The production speed was remarkable, with the first commercial batches being completed only four months after facility construction.

Mr. You Feifeng, President of CovationBio, emphasized the accomplishments in scaling these products. He stated that the transition from mechanical completion to the first compliant commercial batches demonstrated the maturity and stability of their proprietary processing technology.

The development of Xatryx® presents a viable alternative to fossil-fuel derived PTMEG, which is widely used in applications such as elastane and thermoplastic elastomers. Not only does Xatryx® deliver exceptional performance, but it also significantly reduces reliance on non-renewable materials. The biobased content comes from renewable, non-food biomass, ensuring that agricultural supply chains remain unaffected.

One of the pivotal objectives of CovationBio is to provide sustainable solutions without major alterations to client processes. This is particularly relevant as the demand for eco-friendly materials increases across industries. At the NW Materials Show, CovationBio will co-host a forum with INSITE®, another frontrunner in the footwear sector. The event aims to highlight the application of next-generation biobased materials in athletic footwear, specifically focusing on the newly developed insole.

The collaboration between CovationBio and INSITE® is strategically significant. With INSITE®'s profound knowledge in biomechanics and foot design, the two companies are poised to redefine standards in sustainable materials. The innovative insole will primarily use bioPTMEG Xatryx® as its main raw material, thus extending the applications of biobased materials from industrial uses to everyday sports footwear.

Dr. Zhao Mosha, CovationBio's Global Marketing Director for the C4 platform, highlighted the swift collaboration with INSITE® that turned raw materials into finished products within weeks. This achievement exemplifies a remarkable technological advancement for both firms while showcasing how effectively non-food biobased materials can replace traditional fossil alternatives in the market.

The upcoming NW Materials Show is set to be a vital platform for CovationBio to discuss its efforts in enhancing supply chain sustainability for footwear materials. The company plans to elaborate on how Xatryx® not only meets the industry's quality standards but also supports customers in achieving their sustainability goals.

Founded in 2022 and based in Newark, Delaware, CovationBio focuses on developing innovative, high-performance biobased materials that provide essential solutions across sectors. Leveraging a rich legacy of DuPont's scientific innovation, the company is committed to making sustainable products accessible through its flagship brands, including Xatryx® and Sorona®.

As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable practices, CovationBio's novel approach to integrating biobased materials into commonly used products, such as sports footwear, illustrates a growing trend that could transform industries and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the launch of Xatryx® at the NW Materials Show is not just a step forward for CovationBio, but also a broader movement towards sustainable materials capable of reshaping industry practices and consumer choices.