Adidas Ultraboost running shoe, 2015, which uses expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (ETPU) in the sole. Originally developed for Puma by BASF, the eTPU sole technology was adopted by Adidas in 2013 and named Boost. The combination of softness and elasticity provide a high level of comfort and bounce. In addition to the ETPU sole, the Ultraboost shoe features a knitted polyester upper and TPU lace cage and moulded heel support.
Platilon partially-bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (bio-TPU) film from BASF, welded to make an inflatable insulating jacket. Designed by Axis Design Studio.
The Citroën C4 Cactus, with large, air-filled cushion bumpers in contrasting colours on the sides, front and rear. Injection moulded in scratch resistant, weatherproof and UV durable BASF Elastollan, the bumpers are left unpainted. Image Citroen.
Extruded pneumatic hose using BASF Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This grade combines the highly effective hydrolysis and microbial resistance of ether-based TPU with the excellent mechanical properties of ester TPU, suitable for food contact applications. Image BASF.
Orthopaedic insoles made of BASF Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The sole is produced by 3D printing, using fused deposition modelling (FDM), which makes it possible to produce an ultralight cushioning structure tailored to an individual's needs. A low density area can flow smoothly into firm support, helping to stabilise the foot. The open grid allows for breathability. As a shoe sole material, TPU offers excellent vibration dampening and resilience, even with fluctuating temperatures. Image BASF.
Orthopaedic insoles made of BASF Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The sole is produced by 3D printing, using fused deposition modelling (FDM), which makes it possible to produce an ultralight cushioning structure tailored to an individual's needs. A low density area can flow smoothly into firm support, helping to stabilise the foot. The open grid allows for breathability. As a shoe sole material, TPU offers excellent vibration dampening and resilience, even with fluctuating temperatures. Image BASF.
Moulded shoe soles with up to 30% recycled material. BASF has developed polyurethane resin (PUR) foams with thermoplastic properties that can be processed together with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in the injection moulding process. Image BASF.
A panoramic car roof headliner (ceiling trim), with integrated structural bracket. Instead of using steel, the traditional material for this type of application, BASF and Grupo Antolin collaborated to produce a n injection moulded structural bracket using BASF Ultradur polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyester. This material is lighter than steel and allows for greater design freedom and streamlined assembly in production. Image by BASF.
BASF Elastopan polyurethane resin (PUR) moulded directly onto fabric. Applied in footwear and protective clothing, for example, it offer excellent physical properties like flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resistance, durability and low density.
BASF Elastopan polyurethane resin (PUR) moulded directly onto fabric. Applied in footwear and protective clothing, for example, it offer excellent physical properties like flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resistance, durability and low density.
Cross section through an automotive instrument panel (dashboard) featuring BASF Elastoflex polyurethane resin (PUR) foam. This is a safety critical part of the design, as well as important visual and tactile aspect, sitting in front of the driver. In must be able to tolerate some demanding conditions - temperature extremes, direct sunlight and heat through the windshield - while maintaining its appearance for the life of the vehicle. They are made with various material technologies, such as with unpainted polypropylene (PP), or as is the case with higher spec vehicles like this example, using PUR foam between an injection moulded structural carrier and tactile surface foil. The foam bonds the carrier, which is typically PP or polycarbonate blended with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), to the surface foil to create a smooth profile with soft touch feel. Surface foils include thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and slush moulded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Image BASF.
Hvisk handbag in Leap alternative leather. This 89% bio-based textile is made with a three-layer structure comprising a Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose backing fabric, apple waste natural rubber blend middle layer that is plastic-free but not 100% bio-based, and partially bio-based BASF polyurethane (PUR) coating for durability.
NIO car seats feature BASF Haptex artificial leather made with polyurethane resin (PUR). This is the first PUR made without organic solvents, which helps to ensure higher interior air quality. Image BASF.
BASF Haptex artificial leather made with polyurethane resin (PUR). It is a very durable textile used in many different applications, such as footwear, fashion, furniture upholstery and automotive interiors. Image BASF.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) ice cream packaging by Imballaggi Alimentari, which utilises BASF Styropor Ccycled. Produced from pyrolysis oil that is made from chemically recycling waste plastic, BASF claims that this reduces the CO2 emitted by 50% compared to regular EPS packaging.
Black expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation is made with added graphite. The advantage of this material, BASF Neopor graphite polystyrene (GPS), is that not only does it slow down heat transfer the same as EPS, but the graphite additive reflects the heat internally. This further increases the insulation efficiency of the material. It contains 10% recycled material.
A multi-layer paper-based film for printed flexible packaging by BillerudKorsnäs. Certified home-compostable and biodegradable, the flexible material is made up of a 60 gsm layer of kraft paper laminated with BASF Ecovio partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) film. The mix of paper and bio-based plastic yields a material that has expected level of printability, sealing and strength required for packaging food. Image BASF.
A certified compostable and biodegradable ready-to-eat meal tray by Confoil, an Australian food packaging manufacturer, made with moulded paperboard laminated with a thin film of BASF Ecovio partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA). The barrier properties of the film are sufficient to be able to use recycled paper in the tray. Image BASF.
A biodegradable plastic food packaging film made with BASF Ecovio partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA). It is available as industrial stretch wrap, as well as domestic and catering cling film. It combines breathability for extended shelf life of fruit and vegetables with good transparency and mechanical properties. It provides a biodegradable alternative to conventional shrink wrap films such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE). Image BASF.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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