BASF Highlighting How They 'Make, Use and Recycle Future Solutions'

BASF is highlighting how they ‘make, use and recycle the solutions of the future’ with an acknowledgment to the use of its proprietary computer-aided engineering tool Ultrasim when designing for sustainability in a broad range of industries. On May 8, a keynote session “Our Plastics Journey: The Road to a Sustainable Future” delivered by BASF chairman and CEO Michael Heinz, addressed challenges facing the industry, the importance of collaboration along the value chain and the future of sustainability. BASF is also holding short expert talks highlighting some of the innovations on exhibit and there will also be BASF colleagues presenting as part of the NPE educational sessions.

Advanced & Mechanical Recycling and Biopolymers Showcased

BASF Performance Materials’ head of communications and sustainability Susan Jackson says there are various examples of advanced recycling being showcased, including exterior automotive applications, office furniture and high-quality Loopamid nylon co-created with fashion retailer Inditex that represents the first nylon apparel made entirely from textile waste.  

Mechanical recycling solutions on display include two mechanically recycled engineering resin grades. The first is Nypel nylon, which can be made from PCR and/or PIR materials and is currently being used to produce air intake manifolds in automotive. The second grade is Petra thermoplastic polyester based on 100% PCR and PIR PET that is currently used in serial automotive production for large structural parts.

BASF is also highlighting its Valeras portfolio of recycling additives that boost recycling quality. Says Jackson, “With our additives, we are finding new solutions to close the loop. You can see and feel a plastic storage box made with 90% recycled content, and luxury plastic tiles made of 100% recycled plastics, both enabled by our IrgaCycle portfolio. To learn more about the mechanical recycling process, you can try our virtual reality (VR) goggles and experience it firsthand!”

Emobility applications are in focus at BASF’s exhibit with an EV battery demonstrator, electric motor display as well as sustainability solutions for charging infrastructure. 

BASF’s 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, also called Forward AM, is displaying additive manufacturing innovations and how that can help in all phases of the plastics journey.  The seat from the BASF and Citroen concept car Oli is in the BASF booth to showcase the innovative lattice design from Forward AM that combined the worlds of both designers and engineers, and is a visionary highlight of the vehicle.

Sustainable footwear solutions featuring biobased materials as well as recyclable grades are on display, and options for biodegradable polymers and organics recycling are featured via BASF’s ecovio product line.

BASF is also highlighting sustainable water solutions featuring its specialty Ultrason E PESU for clean and safe drinking water — from the source to the tap.