Graphene Safety Boots Deal: What Risks Lie Ahead for First Graphene?

A Strategic Partnership for Advanced Safety Footwear

First Graphene Limited (ASX: FGR) has announced a significant commercial agreement with Indonesian safety boot manufacturer PT Alasmas Berkat Utama to supply its PureGRAPH 10 graphene-enhanced masterbatch. This exclusive multi-year deal will see approximately 2.5 tonnes of the advanced material delivered over the first two years, specifically for integration into the KRUSHERS brand of industrial safety boots.

The partnership targets the demanding Southeast Asia mining industry, where durability and performance of personal protective equipment are critical. By embedding graphene into the soles of these boots, First Graphene aims to extend product life and improve resistance to harsh working environments, leveraging the unique properties of graphene to enhance polymer performance.

Innovation Meets Industry Needs

Working closely with its strategic compounding partner Duromer, First Graphene has tailored the PureGRAPH 10 masterbatch for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) applications, ideal for footwear manufacturing. The injection moulding process incorporates the graphene-enhanced masterbatch directly into the boot soles, promising enhanced durability and wear resistance.

PT Alasmas Berkat Utama brings 25 years of experience in personal protective equipment manufacturing and distribution across Southeast Asia. Their commitment to innovation aligns with First Graphene’s mission to deliver advanced materials that improve industrial products, particularly in sectors where safety and longevity are paramount.

Market Implications and Growth Potential

This deal not only reinforces First Graphene’s growing presence in the global apparel industry but also highlights increasing market demand for graphene-enhanced safety wear. The initial commercial trial of the KRUSHERS boots will be distributed through a wide network of stockists, with potential expansion into other product lines if successful.

First Graphene’s Managing Director Michael Bell emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration, noting the company’s role in helping workers across Southeast Asia’s booming mining sector with longer-lasting safety footwear. The agreement reflects broader industry recognition of graphene’s ability to improve product durability under challenging conditions.

As the company continues to scale its manufacturing capabilities and deepen partnerships, this contract could serve as a blueprint for further applications of graphene in industrial apparel and beyond.