Shanghai, China – July 17, 2024 – BASF today launched Haptex^® 4.0, an innovative polyurethane solution for the production of synthetic leather that is 100% recyclable. Synthetic leather made with Haptex 4.0 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric can be recycled together using an innovative formulation and recycling technical pathway without the need of layer peel-off process. This makes the reuse of the materials feasible.

For a long time, the industry faces a challenge to reuse or recycle end-of-life synthetic leather as it is a composite of multiple raw materials, including polyurethanes (PU), PET, etc. The bonding strength of each layer is very high, making it difficult to separate them layer by layer. This complexity has traditionally made the reuse or recycling of the synthetic leather a challenge, which this challenge can now be tackled by Haptex 4.0. Owing to its recyclability, Haptex 4.0 is also produced without any waste residue, and hence a more sustainable manufacturing process.

“Haptex 4.0 is a technical breakthrough and aligns with BASF’s commitment to advancing circular economy principles and promoting the use of recyclable materials in various industries. With Haptex 4.0, BASF is setting a new benchmark in enabling the green transformation of our customers with sustainable, high-performance and durable materials.” said Silvia Mok, Vice President, Business Management Polyurethanes Systems, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

Like the earlier generations, Haptex 4.0 also complies with stringent volatile organic compounds (VOC) standards, as no organic solvents are used in the manufacturing process. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the production process of synthetic leather.

Beyond its environmental benefits, Haptex 4.0 is both affordable and durable, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Rigorous testing has demonstrated Haptex 4.0’s exceptional anti-yellowing properties, resistance to heat and resilience under autoclave conditions. From footwear and fashion to automotive interiors and furniture, Haptex 4.0 offers exceptional quality and longevity, providing consumers with a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional leather without compromising on performance or cost.

The first generation of Haptex was released in 2013 and has been widely adopted by different industries such as automotive, apparels, footwear and furniture  since then.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our products are co-created with customers around the globe to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. Our R&D focuses on all stages of the plastics journey: Make, Use and Recycle. The MAKE phase is about improving how plastics are made, from product design to the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process itself. The USE phase enhances plastics’ strengths such as light weight, robustness, and thermal resistance. At the end of the product lifecycle, the RECYCLE phase looks at how to close the loop to achieve a circular economy. In 2023, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.2 billion. Join #ourplasticsjourney at: https://www.performance-materials.basf.com