Introducing the First Non-Food Bio-Based Athletic Insole by CovationBio

Groundbreaking Launch of the First Bio-Based Athletic Insole by CovationBio

Covation Biomaterials LLC, an innovator in the realm of bio-based materials, is set to make headlines with a remarkable unveiling at the NW Materials Show in Portland, Oregon. On September 2, 2026, the company will introduce the first-ever athletic insole crafted from the revolutionary Xatryx® bioPTMEG—a non-food bio-based material that promises to redefine sustainability in the footwear industry.

The Science Behind Xatryx

The production journey of the Xatryx® series began with the successful establishment of CovationBio's first commercial plant in Qidong, which achieved mechanical completion in April 2026. After a rigorous four-month process of equipment commissioning and process optimization, the plant commenced the production of its inaugural commercial batches. The recent produced items, including Xatryx.T bioTHF and Xatryx® bioPTMEG, have met the industry’s stringent quality standards.

Mr. You Feifeng, Chairman of CovationBio, expressed great pride in this achievement, stating, "The advancement from mechanical completion to commercial batch production within just four months reflects the stability and maturity of our proprietary technology." The successful on-spec production allows CovationBio to actively engage with downstream customers and collect valuable feedback for further refinement.

Sustainable Solutions for Footwear

Xatryx® bioPTMEG presents itself as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based materials, making it an effective substitute for PTMEG used in spandex, polyurethanes, and thermoplastic elastomers. This bio-based material not only aims to lower the environmental impact through reduced greenhouse gas emissions but is derived from annually renewable agricultural by-products like corncobs, ensuring that it does not compete with food supplies. Its drop-in compatibility allows manufacturers to switch to bio-based solutions with minimal adjustments in their current processes.

Collaboration with INSITE

In an exciting collaboration, CovationBio has partnered with INSITE®, a global leader in insole design, to develop this pioneering athletic insole. The partnership brings together CovationBio’s bio-based material innovation and INSITE’s deep understanding of footwear biomechanics and design. Their joint efforts aim to set a new benchmark for sustainability in insole manufacture.

The launch will occur at the NW Materials Show, where a dedicated forum on next-generation bio-based footwear materials will be co-hosted by both companies, aiming to inspire a shift in industry standards towards more sustainable practices.

Dr. Zhao Mosha, Global Marketing Director of the C4 Platform at CovationBio, highlighted the rapid transformation from material production to market introduction. He stated, "Our collaboration with INSITE showcases how quickly we can turn sustainable concepts into tangible products. With Xatryx® capabilities, we can replace traditional materials while helping drive sustainability in the footwear industry."

The NW Materials Show

The NW Materials Show is recognized as one of the premier events in the global footwear industry, gathering professionals focused on material innovations. At this event, CovationBio aims to demonstrate how Xatryx® empowers the footwear supply chain and contributes to broader sustainability goals.

About CovationBio

Established in 2022 and based in Newark, Delaware, Covation Biomaterials LLC has emerged as a pioneer in the bio-based materials sector, leveraging DuPont's extensive legacy of innovation. The company’s mission is to develop high-performance, sustainable materials designed for industries such as apparel, footwear, and carpet.

CovationBio's brands, including Xatryx® and Sorona®, represent a significant step towards making bio-based products accessible to every consumer, placing sustainability and performance at the forefront of their development.

In conclusion, the industry anticipates that CovationBio's introduction of the world’s first non-food bio-based athletic insole will not only set new standards in material science but also inspire a wave of sustainable transformations within the footwear sector.