Cirql, a subsidiary of Ortholite and the manufacturer of sustainable materials for the global footwear industry, has introduced Cirql rTPU50, said to be the newest addition to the company’s recyclable midsole collection.
The patented material is composed of 50 percent GRS-certified post-industrial recycled TPU and is produced using a chemical-free, supercritical foaming process.
With 25 granted patents and dozens more pending worldwide, Cirql’s rTPU50 offers a scalable, fully recyclable midsole solution that enables companies to navigate the regulatory environment, characterized by “stringent compliance demands and new legislation defining sustainability standards for products and messaging,” Cirql stated in a media release.
“Our mission is to keep shoes out of landfills, first and foremost, and with Cirql’s rTPU50, we add another solution for footwear designers, brands and product creators committed to building circular footwear,” said Matt Thwaites, VP and GM, Cirql. “We are proud to offer footwear brands yet another trusted midsole material that will empower developers to build products that are aligned with climate goals.”
In November 2024, Cirql’s Vietnam factory obtained GRS certification.
Cirql rTPU50 is third-party tested and is available as a finished component or as a polymer. Additionally, Cirql offers the option of a co-molded TPU outsole, which eliminates the bonding process, resulting in a glueless, single-material bottom unit. Cirql’s midsole foams can also be conventionally bonded to all outsoles on the market today.
“We’re committed to authentic circularity by shrinking carbon emissions, offering next-generation sustainable material solutions, and eliminating hazardous substances from manufacturing, with traceability and trust,” said Thwaites. “We’re energized by the possibilities ahead and look forward to sharing more exciting Cirql developments this year.”
Best suited for lifestyle, casual, recovery, safety and golf footwear, Cirql rTPU50 will be available to footwear brands in Q3 2025.
Image courtesy Cirql
