MATERIALS WITH CONSCIOUSNESS
Every material has an impact. That's why every choice is a political, environmental and human act.
TRANSPARENCY FROM THE START
Origin: We show the starting point
We work with suppliers who guarantee us data, traceability and commitment.
We select raw materials based on technical, proximity and environmental criteria.
Transformation: Engineering with Intent
Matter becomes form. But without losing judgement.
Each material is tested, validated and integrated with a purpose - resistance, lightness, comfort, durability - and never at the expense of the planet.
What we guarantee at this stage:
We work with suppliers who guarantee us data, traceability and commitment.
We select raw materials based on technical, proximity and environmental criteria.
Transformation: Engineering with Intent
Matter becomes form. But without losing judgement.
Each material is tested, validated and integrated with a purpose - resistance, lightness, comfort, durability - and never at the expense of the planet.
What we guarantee at this stage:
- Demanding technical and mechanical tests
- Choice of low-impact processes (e.g. solvent-free bonding, lower energy consumption, less waste)
Destination: What happens after use?
A responsible material isn't just one that goes well into the product.
It's one that has a plan for afterwards.
At Aloft, we help our customers turn the end of life of their products into a new beginning - through reuse, recycling and reintegration.
How do we design the "end"?
Preference for recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Separation facilitated by modular design or clean assembly.
Exploring circular models: collection, repair, reprocessing.
Why are we telling this story?
Because it's not enough to say that we use ‘sustainable materials’.
We want to show how, where, why - and even when.
Because every choice has a footprint. And every footprint can be a change.
A responsible material isn't just one that goes well into the product.
It's one that has a plan for afterwards.
At Aloft, we help our customers turn the end of life of their products into a new beginning - through reuse, recycling and reintegration.
How do we design the "end"?
Preference for recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Separation facilitated by modular design or clean assembly.
Exploring circular models: collection, repair, reprocessing.
Why are we telling this story?
Because it's not enough to say that we use ‘sustainable materials’.
We want to show how, where, why - and even when.
Because every choice has a footprint. And every footprint can be a change.
DECISIONS WITH AN IMPACT
Choosing smarter materials for better products.
Brands are betting big on solutions that combine technical performance,
sustainability and production efficiency.
The Supercritical Foam process produces a lightweight, functional foam and is moulding
the future of footwear.
SCF injection uses supercritical gases (CO₂ or N₂) which at high temperature and pressure
transform polymers such as EVA and TPU into lightweight, responsive foams with high
performance and 100% recyclable.
- Benefits of SCF Injection:
- Consistent microcellular structure
- Lightness + resistance
- Customisable density and bounce
- High efficiency and scalability
- Clean and ecological process (no extra chemicals)
- No glue required
SCF injection moulding is suitable for mass production, precision and sustainability.
WE ELIMINATED THE USE OF 6PPD BEFORE IT WAS MANDATORY
More than two years ago, we chose to reformulate our soles to exclude
6PPD - an antioxidant widely used in industry, but with serious
environmental consequences and health risks.
We anticipated European regulations. We did it differently because we knew
that it was the right thing to do.
Why this decision?
6PPD is used to protect rubber compounds from oxidation and ozone,
extending the life of soles.
But when it comes into contact with air and water, it turns into
6PPD-quinone - a by-product:
Since 2022, 95 per cent of our footwear has been made with 6PPD-free
rubber compounds. We have reformulated materials based on demanding technical
tests. We have worked with partners to guarantee
performance and safety without compromise. We have taken on the costs and
challenges of the transition, without waiting for legal obligation
Because the future demands difficult - and conscious - choices.
6PPD - an antioxidant widely used in industry, but with serious
environmental consequences and health risks.
We anticipated European regulations. We did it differently because we knew
that it was the right thing to do.
Why this decision?
6PPD is used to protect rubber compounds from oxidation and ozone,
extending the life of soles.
But when it comes into contact with air and water, it turns into
6PPD-quinone - a by-product:
- Highly toxic to aquatic organisms
- Associated with effects on fertility
- With mutagenic potential
- Persistent in the environment
Since 2022, 95 per cent of our footwear has been made with 6PPD-free
rubber compounds. We have reformulated materials based on demanding technical
tests. We have worked with partners to guarantee
performance and safety without compromise. We have taken on the costs and
challenges of the transition, without waiting for legal obligation
Because the future demands difficult - and conscious - choices.
New sole preparation and treatment technology: greater efficiency, sustainability and quality
At Aloft, we are always focused on offering our customers solutions that improve the quality, efficiency and sustainability of footwear production processes. That is why we have implemented a new sole preparation and treatment technology that optimises adhesion and ensures more consistent and environmentally friendly results.
The process begins with an innovative infrared irradiation treatment, which prepares the surface of the soles before the primer is applied. This method effectively removes residues and impurities resulting from manufacturing, without causing deformation of the material, allowing almost immediate handling of the soles.
Next, a primer is applied, a water-based product free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which creates an ideal layer for polyurethane (PU) adhesion. This system is compatible with different types of rubber — both vulcanised (SBR, NBR, NR) and thermoplastic (TR) — and is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional halogenation.
The process ends with a second short irradiation, which accelerates the evaporation of the aqueous vehicle and activates the chemical reactions that ensure perfect preparation of the sole surface.
The process begins with an innovative infrared irradiation treatment, which prepares the surface of the soles before the primer is applied. This method effectively removes residues and impurities resulting from manufacturing, without causing deformation of the material, allowing almost immediate handling of the soles.
Next, a primer is applied, a water-based product free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which creates an ideal layer for polyurethane (PU) adhesion. This system is compatible with different types of rubber — both vulcanised (SBR, NBR, NR) and thermoplastic (TR) — and is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional halogenation.
The process ends with a second short irradiation, which accelerates the evaporation of the aqueous vehicle and activates the chemical reactions that ensure perfect preparation of the sole surface.
Key benefits for our customers
- Greater speed and efficiency: soles are ready for the bonding process as soon as they reach room temperature.
- Protected surface treatment: treated soles can be stored without risk of external contamination.
- Environmentally friendly process: 100% VOC-free technology, contributing to more sustainable production.
- Precise and economical application: the low-viscosity primer allows for uniform application, with low materials consumption and high productivity.
With this new technology, we reinforce our commitment to offering high-performance technical solutions, keeping pace with industry demands and promoting more sustainable practices in the footwear industry.