Elachem: Global strategies and the Polymer material revolution for the footwear industry
Founded in Vigevano in 2001, Elachem has rapidly established itself as a benchmark of chemical excellence in the Italian market. The company specializes in producing advanced polyurethane systems, which are crucial for the footwear industry. With an unwavering focus on material performance and sustainability, Elachem is a vital resource for brands looking to combine lightness, durability, and innovation in the footwear of the future.
We sat down with Marco Valieri, Elachem’s Marketing and Sales Manager, to discuss the most pressing market trends and the new polymer frontiers that are shaping the next generation of shoes.
In a swiftly changing trade show landscape, how are you redefining your international visibility strategy? And how do targeted local platforms support your mission to bring innovation to the core of global markets?
“We consider a strategy of trade show diversification essential for maximizing the effectiveness of our investments and direct contact with buyers. The winning approach today is to complement large international events with a focused presence at regional and local trade fairs. Platforms like those in Mexico, Colombia, or Peru are essential because they allow us to meet customers right where they are. By reducing the logistical cost and complexity for local operators, we facilitate a more productive and immediate dialogue, which is key to presenting our most advanced solutions in polyurethane systems and TPU.”
What product innovations are you introducing to the markets to capture the interest of both Italian and international customers?
“The market is particularly focused on the demand for boots, across both the lifestyle and the work & safety segments. The TPU boot, or the Epalite boot, represents a strategic opportunity, allowing us to target the market segment that traditionally relies on PVC or rubber, materials that are less sustainable.
The core concept is to repurpose existing machinery, such as those used for PVC—by adapting them for higher-performance, lower-impact materials. This is a pragmatic approach that leverages our clients’ existing industrial capital.”
Turning to safety and emerging markets, how do you view the evolving demand for technical footwear amid shifting production locations? And what role does super-expanded TPU, a much-discussed technology, play in your development plans?
“Safety footwear is certainly going to grow. Regulations, especially European ones, are driving demand even in the countries where manufacturing is relocating, I’m thinking of Africa or Asia. The major multinationals that shift production bring their high standards with them, creating a mounting need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is definitely a sector that will see an upward curve in the coming years. On the pure innovation side, we are developing super-expanded TPU (SCF). Its primary benefit is being ten times lighter than traditional materials while retaining excellent mechanical properties. It’s a technology with immense potential, but I anticipate it will require several years for full adoption. It’s not simply a matter of chemical formulation: the production machinery and the raw material supply chain are not yet fully prepared to optimally handle this revolutionary polymer. The transition won’t be immediate, but the direction is clear: ultra-light performance is the future.”
You touched upon trade show diversification. Beyond the major European events, what geographical areas do you believe are most promising for a direct approach, and why?
“Today, the approach must be exploratory and granular. If the customer isn’t coming to us in Europe, we go to them, or at least position ourselves as close as possible. ‘Local’ or regional shows like those in South America or the Middle- East make strong logistical and commercial sense because they capture local area buyers, sparing them disproportionate travel costs. We’ve also had positive feedback from lesser-known but strategically important events.”
Marco Valieri, Elachem’s Marketing and Sales Manager