Far Eastern New Century Launches Sustainable Footwear Midsoles from Recycled PET Bottles

Pioneering Sustainable Footwear: Far Eastern New Century’s Revolutionary Midsoles

In a landmark achievement for environmental sustainability, the Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) has launched the first commercially available footwear midsoles made from recycled PET bottles. At the forefront of eco-friendly polyester materials, FENC is transforming the shoe industry with its innovative approach to sustainability.

FENC’s new midsoles, crafted from post-consumer waste PET bottles into recycled thermoplastic polyester elastomer (rTPEE), marry environmentally friendly practices with superior performance. Unlike conventional materials, rTPEE boasts exceptional elasticity, cushioning, and rebound properties, making it ideal for use in shoe midsoles. This material has already been adopted by the renowned French outdoor sports brand, SALOMON, for their distinctive Solamphibian amphibious boots.

One of the significant advantages of rTPEE is its potential to reduce carbon emissions by 10 to 30% compared to virgin petroleum-based TPEE. This milestone signifies a critical step towards helping the shoe industry transition to sustainable high-quality materials.

Expanding Portfolio and Circular Economy Efforts

Building on its expertise in polyester, FENC has developed a range of polyester materials suitable for various shoe components through polymerization and modification. This multifaceted approach addresses the complex challenge of separating shoe components for recycling. Thus, FENC has created not just midsoles but also uppers, laces, linings, insoles, shaft pieces, and toe cap adhesives utilizing recycled polyester (rPET). Their commitment to a “fully recyclable design from a single material” clearly demonstrates their innovation in sustainable practices.

Moreover, FENC has introduced the FENC® TopGreen® AirTek PU technology, leveraging industrially captured CO₂ as a raw material for producing high-performance elastic materials. By moving away from toxic substances traditionally used in polyurethane production—like phosgene and isocyanates—FENC not only increases safety during manufacturing but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in footwear production. This method achieves up to 58% reduction in carbon emissions compared to standard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), all while maintaining performance and functionality.

FENC’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; the company recently secured the second prize for the Innovation Award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2025” in Cologne, making it the first Asian company to receive this accolade since the award's inception. This recognition further affirms FENC's leadership in global sustainable material innovation.

A Commitment to a Climate-Friendly Future

With its eyes firmly set on the future, FENC is committed to advancing sustainable materials and carbon-reducing technologies that will propel the world towards a climate-neutral future. Their innovative solutions not only contribute to a circular economy but also exemplify the kind of corporate responsibility needed in today's environmental landscape.

For over seventy years, FENC has stood at the forefront of the polyester industry, being the world's largest provider of food-grade rPET and offering comprehensive solutions for eco-friendly products. As a vertically integrated supplier, it provides everything from raw materials to consumer-ready products like apparel, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.

To learn more about Far Eastern New Century Corporation, visit their official website at FENC.