STARCEL, a cellulose nanofiber composite developed by Kyoto University and Starlight PMC Co. under a NEDO contract, has been adopted as a midsole material for running shoes. The CNF-reinforced resin material is composed of cellulose nanofibers treated with wood pulp and reinforced by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). It is a lightweight material of high strength and low thermal expansion.
NEDO news release, June 1, 2018
STARCEL cellulose nanofiber composite (CNF) used in running shoes