Key Findings
At Fakuma 2026, BASF introduced several new material solutions that simultaneously balance three key properties: resilience, sustainability, and high performance. A standout innovation is Ultramid® H33 L, the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability, developed specifically for the food packaging industry. Additionally, BASF showcased an improved polyamide 66, Ultramid® A27AE1 L, and Ultramid® Expand, a lightweight particle foam with excellent shock absorption capabilities. These products signal the next evolution in the plastics industry.
Technical Details
Ultramid® H33 L: This polyamide offers unprecedented water vapor permeability for packaging materials while maintaining superior mechanical strength. This enables certain foods (e.g., dry goods) to stay fresh longer by preventing condensation inside the packaging. It provides new design freedom for packaging and contributes to reducing food waste.
Ultramid® A27AE1 L: This polyamide 66 maintains excellent color stability (low yellowness index) even after exposure to harsh thermal loads and UV radiation, as required for automotive and electronic components. By combining aesthetics with functionality, it enhances product longevity and quality.
Ultramid® Expand: Utilizing particle foam technology, this material provides exceptionally lightweight characteristics along with high impact absorption and insulation properties. Used in lightweight automotive structural components, crash safety parts, or as insulation, it helps achieve improved energy efficiency and safety simultaneously.
Elastollan® TPU: A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with excellent light transmittance, ideal for LED lighting and light guide solutions. It offers high design freedom and superior durability.
Background and Industry Context
The plastics industry faces significant challenges related to climate change mitigation, resource efficiency, and the transition to a circular economy. Demands for sustainability from consumers and regulators are increasing, yet product performance and safety cannot be compromised. BASF’s new product portfolio addresses these conflicting requirements through innovations in materials science, integrating approaches such as the use of bio-based feedstocks, improved recyclability, and extended product lifespans. Through these efforts, BASF is reinforcing its provision of sustainable solutions across the entire plastics value chain.
Strategic Significance and Outlook
These innovative plastic materials announced by BASF are expected to have a major impact across diverse industrial sectors, including enhancing food packaging freshness, improving automotive lightweighting and safety, and increasing the reliability of electronic products. Ultramid® H33 L, in particular, offers a solution to the global challenge of reducing food loss, while Ultramid® Expand contributes to extending the range and enhancing the safety of electric vehicles. Moving forward, BASF will accelerate the commercialization and market deployment of these materials, and, through collaboration with customers, provide solutions optimized for individual applications. These materials are poised to make significant contributions to achieving a sustainable and resilient society.
Source: https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2026/09/p-26-153
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