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:
- Can we make PU more sustainable without sacrificing performance?
- What if your shoes could fight climate change instead of fueling it?
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:
- How much carbon is hidden in your supply chain?
- How are you reducing reliance on fossil fuels?
- Are your products aligned with climate action goals?
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:
- 2–5 kg of CO₂ saved per kg of polyol
- 1–3 kg of CO₂ saved per kg of the full PU system
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.
- The world doesn’t need more shoes. It needs better shoes. Shoes that fit the planet as well as fit our feet.
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:
- Low-carbon materials like BioSafe that cut emissions at the source.
- Recycling loops via our ReNeu program, giving PU a second life.
- Minimizing waste at every step of manufacturing.
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.
- Every bio-based content reduces environmental burden.
- Every durable product reduces waste.
- Every transparent measurement gets us closer to true climate action.
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.