Pebax® elastomers by Arkema Inc. are being utilized by leading athletic apparel brands in plates and foams to improve the lightness, energy return and strength of performance shoes.

Pebax is designed for high performance sportswear, using two block copolymers, polyether and plyamide, to create a durable material with high flexibility, elasticity and strength while remaining extremely lightweight. Compared to alternative materials on the market like EVA or TPU, Pebax has low energy loss, meaning that when the polymer is stretched, it efficiently stores and then returns the same energy when relaxed, giving the wearer’s feet a boost.

The material has been used in On Running’s Cloudspike Citrus shoe, ideal for sprinters; Hoka’s Cielo X2 shoe, ideal for mid- to long-distance runners and Diadora’s Lungo Carbon shoe, ideal for long jump athletes. The material is also seen in cleated shoes, ski boots, tennis shoes, clothing and more.

A bio-based variation of the material, Pebax Renew® is also being leveraged by shoemakers for enhanced sustainability in their products. Pebax Renew is made from castor oil derived from castor beans.

Pebax Renew has been used by Mizuno in the Wave Rider 24 running shoe.

The materials’ applications in running shoes has been highly reviewed by publications including BBC Sport, Runner’s World and Doctors of Running. arkema.com/en/

The Moorestown, NJ, USA location of Curbell Plastics, Inc. has donated durable polycarbonate sheets to The Free Books Project. The sheets are being used to construct and maintain “Book Arks” — free, community-based mini-libraries located across Camden County, NJ, USA.

Curbell’s polycarbonate sheets replace broken acrylic panels that had previously been used in the windows of these little libraries, ensuring that the books and the structures themselves are better protected from the elements. The polycarbonate, known for its superior strength and durability compared to traditional acrylic (Plexiglass), will help extend the life of the Book Arks.

These little libraries represent a grassroots initiative to foster a love of reading and connect to the community. The little libraries are available around the clock, inviting the community to take, borrow and donate books at no cost, encouraging both literacy and connection. curbellplastics.com