2 Sep 2026
Econicol-based insole adopted for Spingle functional walking product
Tokyo – Mitsui Chemicals and shoe-component specialist Murai have jointly developed an insole using a plant-derived polyurethane polyol.
The Econicol-branded material combines Mitsui Chemicals' material technology with Murai's manufacturing technology to deliver the "comfortable fit" and durability required for insoles, said Mitsui 25 Aug.
It is made using castor oil derived from castor seeds and can be used as a substitute for conventional petroleum-based polyols.
According to Mitsui, the resulting insole product has been adopted by Spingle as the SPI-103 functional walking insole.
The cushioning section uses a biomass foam made with Econicol, with a calculated biomass content of 35% by weight.
The material is claimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the product's life cycle, including incineration, by 20% compared with conventional petroleum-based polyols.
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