Students of Shanghai American School (SAS) in China can now enjoy a safer and improved sporting experience, thanks to the world’s first running track containing InfinergySP, a special grade of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) from BASF (No. 25 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list). With its full polyurethane structure certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the sports track helps runners perform better in a safe environment.
Jointly developed by BASF and DuBaiCheng Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd (DBC), SAS is the first school to adopt BASF’s Infinergy SP in the construction of their running track. “With the outstanding cushioning effect of E-TPU particles, the track will provide a safer sporting experience for our students and help reduce the risk of sports injuries,” said Steve Doleman, Director of Activities at the Shanghai American School.
The running track structure possesses superior tensile strength and elongation and consists of a layer of polyurethane in which Infinergy SP is embedded for excellent force reduction.
BASF’s Infinergy SP combines the benefits of thermoplastic polyurethane with typical properties of foams. It consists of a closed-cell particle foam which absorbs little water, making it particularly suitable for sports flooring applications.
“We will continue to work together with our partners from DBC, Shanghai Chemical Building Material Trade Association and Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences Group, on our full value chain quality control program and bring safer sports tracks to school campuses across China,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.
During the past two years, BASF and DBC have partnered on sports and playground flooring projects in dozens of schools across China using BASF’s polyurethane solutions. The first certified sports structure using expandable thermoplastic polyurethane in the world marks a milestone of the two partners in innovation and sets a benchmark for sports flooring in China.
