Cooper Standard targets "unique" elastomers at footwear, tires

Northville, Michigan – Cooper Standard has flagged up progress with the commercialisation of its Fortrex technology in the footwear industry as well as an initiative to establish tire applications for the elastomer platform.

In a third quarter results presentation. the US company reported its first commercial technology-license agreement with a global footwear manufacturer for the use of its Fortrex elastomer technology

The “non-exclusive agreement” with the unnamed client runs for 10 years, said Cooper Standard, noting that discussions and technology development work are continuing with other footwear manufacturers.

Cooper Standard added that is also now “engaging in technology development work” to determine feasibility of incorporating its Fortrex elastomer technology in tire applications. 

The lightweight, elastomeric material platform could be used to improve sustainability of tires, according to the US group said in a recent results presentation.

Fortrex Is described as a unique chemistry platform, offering a “highly tunable thermosetting material that processes like a thermoplastic” while yielding high flexible end-products. 

The compounds are claimed to offer advantages over synthetic rubbers, silicones and thermoplastic vulcanisates in terms of weight reduction, compression-set, weathering and durability.