Rethinking Footwear: How Bio-Based PU is Cutting Carbon Footprints and Combating Global Warming
Most of us don’t often pause to think about what goes into our shoes. Yet the materials beneath our feet carry a hidden story- one of carbon emissions, fossil fuel dependency, and waste. Polyurethane (PU), the backbone of modern footwear, has long been valued for its durability, comfort, and versatility. But traditionally, PU is made from petroleum-based inputs — locking the footwear industry into fossil fuels and contributing to climate change. At Rymbal, we’ve been asking a different question: Our answer is BioSafe– a bio-based PU system designed to slash carbon footprints without compromising performance. It is already transforming how the footwear industry thinks about materials, emissions, and climate responsibility. Why Bio-Based PU Matters The world is at a turning point. The Paris Agreement calls for urgent action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and industries across the board are expected to contribute. For footwear, a sector that produces billions of pairs annually, the raw materials chosen have a massive influence on overall emissions. The global fashion and footwear industry is under pressure to decarbonize. Brands are being asked tough questions: This is where bio-based PU comes in. Instead of being 100% fossil-based, BioSafe replaces 20–60% of the carbon content with renewable plant-derived inputs. Bio-based PU provides a direct, measurable answer. BioSafe reduces both fossil fuel dependency and overall carbon emissions. The impact is tangible: That means every pair of shoes made with BioSafe helps fight global warming. And these are not projections — they are ASTM D6866-certified numbers being used in real footwear production today. Cutting Carbon: Conventional PU vs. BioSafe PU Climate Factor Conventional PU Biosafe PU Carbon Source 100% fossil-based (petroleum) 20–60% renewable (plant oils, bio-based carbon) Overall Carbon Footprint Locks in fossil carbon → contributes to global warming Up to 70% lower footprint (ASTM D6866 certified) Global Warming Impact Adds new fossil CO₂ into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change Uses renewable carbon already in the cycle → mitigates global warming Performance Without Compromise One of the myths about sustainable materials is that they are not strong enough to serve the purpose. BioSafe proves the opposite. Our systems are engineered to meet or exceed the performance of conventional PU in every aspect critical to footwear manufacturing:✅ Tear strength✅ Abrasion resistance✅ Flex and hydrolysis resistance✅ Long-term durability From athleisure sneakers to safety boots, BioSafe works across single- and double-density applications — proving that eco-friendly can also mean high-performing. More Than Materials: A Net Zero Vision Rymbal’s sustainability commitment goes beyond product innovation. Our long-term goal is net zero emissions– and BioSafe is a cornerstone of that vision. We’re building it through three key strategies: This approach supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12 & 13). Because true sustainability isn’t about a single product- it’s about rethinking the entire system. A Footprint Worth Leaving We can’t erase the environmental cost of past choices. But every new material is an opportunity to walk lighter on the planet. This is what BioSafe stands for: not perfect solutions, but real, scalable steps toward a better future. At Rymbal, we’re partnering with footwear brands that want to lead with responsibility, without compromising on quality or performance. If you’re ready to rethink your materials and reduce your carbon footprint, let’s talk.