BASF launches polyamide solutions based on renewable raw materials for the textile industry

Taiwan, China—March 4, 2015—BASF has launched Ultramid® high-performance polyamide based on renewable raw materials for the textile industry. Taiwanese textile producer Yutai Industrial Co., Ltd. is the first to use this new solution for yarn production. In the production of Ultramid® polyamide, BASF uses the innovative method of material balance method to replace all fossil raw materials with certified renewable raw materials, while maintaining the excellent properties of the product. The use of biological raw materials helps to save fossil resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Consumers are increasingly concerned about how clothing is made, the raw materials used in the production process, and its impact on the environment." Dr. Kaiming Ruan, Senior Vice President of BASF's Monomers Business Unit in Asia Pacific, said: "The material balance method provides manufacturers with a A ground-breaking approach to garment production that allows it to serve environmentally conscious consumers without having to adapt the production process and technologies involved throughout the value chain."

Through the material balance method, renewable raw materials can innovatively replace fossil raw materials at the beginning of production in BASF's existing integrated plants. Biological raw materials will be allocated to designated products such as Ultramid®. Since the recipe remains the same, its quality is exactly the same as products made from fossil raw materials. Independent certification by TüV SüD affirms that the relevant products were manufactured using the specified amount of renewable raw materials. Mr. Huang Mingxiang, Chairman of Taiwan Yutai Industrial Co., Ltd. said: "The certification of TüV SüD ensures that every ton of mass balance products we purchase from BASF's production base uses an appropriate proportion of biological raw materials. At the same time, it also ensures that we can Produce products with excellent quality and save fossil raw materials for customers."

With more than 60 years of experience, BASF is a leading supplier of high-quality polyamides and polyamide intermediates for the global engineering plastics, film, fiber and monofilament industries. Yarns produced from Ultramid® polyamides are the material of choice for high-quality textiles such as apparel, knitwear, swimwear, and high-tech outdoor clothing.

Thanks to its outstanding chemical properties, Ultramid® has the advantages of simple processing, bright and durable colors, and high strength in both fibers and fabrics, ensuring fast processing, high yield and uniform dyeing. With high-quality products, advanced chemical processes, and strong scientific research and technical capabilities, BASF is able to meet customer needs with excellent services and product innovation.

BASF has established Ultramid® polymerization plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany, Antwerp, Belgium, Freeport, USA and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Meanwhile, a new plant in Shanghai will also be put into operation in 2015.