Functional components for shoes
- Apparel & Footwear
- Shoes
GRS-certified, 100% recyclable, and PFAS-free solutions
Eco-friendly functional components for sustainable footwear
Sustainable footwear components from Freudenberg Performance Materials contain over 70% GRS-certified recycled content, reducing carbon emissions. We also offer 100% recyclable PET solutions, breathable, non-yellowing alternatives to PET foam, recyclable toe puffs and counters, and optical-brightener-free embroidery backers. Additionally, we provide bonding fabrics for better outsole adhesion, waterproof membranes with high moisture permeability, and PFAS-free, non-wicking solutions for more eco-friendly products.
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 environmentally-friendly manufacturing
- Easy shaping – moldable after pre-heating
Key Benefits
- Various eco-friendly solutions for sustainable footwear
- Lightweight and durable material for enhanced shoe performance
- Mono-component PET enabling fully recyclable shoe design
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 and fully recyclable foam replacement
We offer a sustainable foam replacement solution made of 100% PET that eliminates the yellowing and aging issues commonly seen with traditional PU foam. Designed for use in the collar and tongue areas of footwear, it delivers reliable structure while remaining lightweight and breathable. Fully recyclable and free from performance degradation over time, our foam replacement material supports circular design and extends product lifespan —making it the ideal choice for brands seeking comfort with a 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.
Toe puffs and counters: structural support meets sustainable design
We offer a broad range of toe puff and counter solutions that combine structural integrity with flexibility and sustainability. As key reinforcement components in footwear, the toe puff supports the toe box area by maintaining shape and providing impact protection, while the counter reinforces the heel for enhanced stability and fit. Our materials are formable, resilient, and comfortable to wear, offering excellent shape retention throughout the shoe’s life cycle. Select options are made from 100% PET and fully recyclable, supporting circular design goals. Thanks to low-temperature processability, these components also reduce energy use and carbon emissions during manufacturing. Whether for formal, casual, or safety footwear, our toe puffs and counters deliver the right balance of strength, adaptability, and eco-efficiency
