BASF Announces Elastollan® TPU Portfolio with Reduced Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Without Compromising Performance

New low-PCF grades for key industries including footwear, sports & leisure, and cable & wire.

First introduction of low-PCF grades in Shanghai, supporting BASF's "local for local" strategy in Asia Pacific.

Achieves 10-30% PCF reduction while maintaining mechanical properties equivalent to corresponding existing Elastollan® grades.

Shanghai, China – May 11, 2026 – BASF (headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany) today announced the launch of its reduced carbon footprint (ReducedPCF) Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) portfolio in the Asia Pacific region. This will enable customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their own products while maintaining the proven performance of Elastollan®.

BASF Announces Elastollan® TPU Portfolio with Reduced Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Without Compromising Performance

ReducedPCF grades are achieved through proactive PCF reduction measures, such as the utilization of low-emission energy and resources, and the use of fossil raw materials with a lower PCF. The calculation of the product carbon footprint complies with the requirements of the TfS (Together for Sustainability) guidelines and ISO 14067. Through these proactive measures, the new ReducedPCF grades achieve a 10-30% PCF reduction while possessing performance equivalent to existing Elastollan® grades.

Some Elastollan® TPU products manufactured at the Shanghai site may additionally incorporate biomethane via a site-specific mass balance approach as part of proactive PCF reduction measures.

The Elastollan® ReducedPCF portfolio will be produced at BASF's Shanghai site. The Shanghai site is a strategic manufacturing hub supporting BASF's "local for local" strategy in the Asia Pacific region, with products supplied regionally and locally. This enables shorter supply chains, improved supply stability, and closer customer support for industries such as footwear, sports & leisure (FSL), and cable & wire.

Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, TPU Business Management, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF, stated: "With the launch of Elastollan® ReducedPCF grades, customers can reduce the carbon footprint of their own products without compromising performance. This new grade demonstrates BASF's commitment to supporting customers' green transformation through transparent information on the scope of ReducedPCF, compliant PCF data, excellent local manufacturing, continuous innovation, and strong collaboration across the value chain."

Footnote

ReducedPCF products have a product carbon footprint (PCF) reduced by at least 10.0% compared to corresponding existing standard products of BASF's Performance Materials division in the same production region. This PCF reduction is achieved through active PCF reduction measures, such as the use of fossil raw materials with a lower PCF, and the utilization of low-emission utilities like renewable electricity and renewable steam.

*This material is a Japanese translation and edited version by BASF Japan of an English press release announced by BASF on May 11, 2026.

*The English original takes precedence regarding the content and interpretation of this press release.

About BASF's Performance Materials Division

BASF's Performance Materials division leads the transformation of the plastics industry by combining sustainability with high performance. Leveraging material expertise, deep industry knowledge, and a broad product portfolio, we are the partner of choice for providing comprehensive solutions across the entire plastic lifecycle. Through dedicated material focus teams, strong R&D capabilities, and a global production network located close to customers, we provide optimal solutions tailored to regional and industry-specific needs. Our products contribute to enhancing performance and efficiency in key sectors such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications. Together with our partners, we are on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, Performance Materials...