Functional components for shoes
- Apparel & Footwear
- Shoes
GRS-certified, 100% recyclable, and PFAS-free solutions
Functional Components for Footwear – Made with Recycled and Certified Materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials engineers functional footwear components with more than 70% recycled content, helping reduce carbon impact. Our portfolio includes mono-component polyester solutions, ranging from breathable and non-yellowing polyester nonwoven foam, recyclable toe puffs and counters, and embroidery backers free from optical brighteners. Additional innovations include bonding fabrics for reliable outsole adhesion, waterproof membranes with excellent moisture permeability, and PFAS-free, non-wicking solutions that combine functionality with reduced environmental impact.
Key Features
- GRS-certified toe puffs and counters
- Products available with up to 100% recycled content
- 100% PET recyclable products
- Solvent-free and RSL-compliant products for cleaner and responsible manufacturing
- Easy shaping – moldable after pre-heating
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and durable material for enhanced shoe performance
- Broad range of recycled and certified material solutions designed to reduce environmental impact, including mono-material polyester components supporting mono-component footwear designs
Expert voice
“Our spunlaid products are realy unique. They are produced with a recycled content of up tp 100% and they are recyclable too.”
Enya Huang, Sales Manager Shoe Business Team APAC
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Breathable, Lightweight, Mono-component Polyester Nonwoven Foam
Made from 100% Polyester, our innovative foam replacement offers a sustainable alternative to conventional PU foam without the risk of yellowing or age-related deterioration. Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for footwear collars and tongues, it delivers lasting comfort and structural integrity. Its monocomponent composition supports circular footwear design strategies and extends product lifespan - making it the ideal choice for customers seeking comfort with lower environmental impact.
Embroidery backers: clean appearance, reinforced performance
Our embroidery backers are designed to enhance the appearance and durability of stitched uppers while meeting the highest safety standards. Certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, Class I, they are safe for use even in sensitive applications. This material provides a flat, clean finish that improves the surface aesthetics of embroidered areas while reinforcing the upper fabric for added durability. Available in various weights and constructions, our embroidery backers offer both design flexibility and dependable performance for modern footwear.
Bonding fabrics: secure the foundation of every step
We engineer our bonding fabrics to optimize the injection molding process in footwear production — especially for sports and casual shoes. Applied as a layer between the upper and the outsole during direct injection, this fabric ensures strong adhesion by allowing molten EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) to penetrate and lock into the structure, forming a secure mechanical bond. It prevents outsole separation during wear, enhances durability, and protects the upper from deformation or heat damage. Beyond bonding, it reinforces the joint area, helping shoes better absorb flexing and repeated stress. By creating a stable, smooth transition between the upper and sole, our bonding fabrics contribute to both long-lasting strength and everyday comfort.
Next Generation of Toe Puffs and Counters: Durable Support Meets Circular Innovation
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of toe puff and counter solutions that provide reliable structural support while incorporating responsible material choices. Essential to footwear construction, our toe puffs help maintain the shape and protection of the toe box, while counters reinforce the heel for improved stability, fit, and durability. Our materials are formable, resilient, and comfortable, delivering long-lasting shape retention throughout footwear lifecycle. Selected solutions include 100% Polyester innovation to support circular footwear design, while our >70% recycled content low activation temperature collections contribute to reduced energy consumption and carbon impact. Suitable for formal, casual, and safety footwear, our toe puffs and counters offer an optimal combination of performance, adaptability, and production efficiency.
