BASF launches commercial production of Elastollan FR TPU in Shanghai!

BASF has announced the start of commercial production of Elastollan Flame Retardant (FR) Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) at its manufacturing facility in Shanghai, marking a significant step in strengthening the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The site is now qualified to produce both Halogen-free Flame-Retardant (FHF) TPU and FR TPU grades, enabling BASF to offer a broader and locally manufactured portfolio of flame-retardant materials to customers in the region.

This development builds on BASF’s earlier success in localizing the production of its FHF TPU series at the Shanghai facility in 2023. With the addition of the FR TPU product line, the company has expanded its range of high-performance materials designed for applications that require enhanced flame-retardant performance combined with strong mechanical durability.

The ability to manufacture both FHF and FR TPU grades locally significantly improves BASF’s responsiveness to customer requirements in Asia-Pacific. By producing these materials within the region, the company can reduce lead times, strengthen supply reliability and collaborate more closely with customers to meet local regulatory standards and specialized safety requirements.

Flame-retardant TPU materials are particularly important for industries where safety, durability and performance are critical. BASF’s Elastollan TPU solutions are widely used in cable systems for industrial automation, robotics and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These sectors require materials capable of maintaining structural integrity and performance under demanding operational conditions while meeting strict fire safety standards.

According to Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President of Business Management TPU for Performance Materials Asia Pacific at BASF, the start of FR-grade production represents a key milestone for the company’s growth strategy in high-demand sectors. He emphasized that combining advanced flame-retardant properties with robust mechanical strength allows BASF to meet increasingly complex technical requirements in cable applications.

Beyond cables, Elastollan TPU materials are also used in specialized industrial products such as tubes, hoses and belt systems. These applications benefit from TPU’s unique combination of flexibility, abrasion resistance and resistance to oil and chemicals, making the material suitable for harsh industrial environments.

Elastollan TPU has built a strong reputation in the market due to its durability and versatile performance characteristics. The availability of flame-retardant variants produced locally in Asia provides manufacturers with materials that balance safety, compliance and efficient processing without compromising performance.

BASF continues to focus on developing advanced chemical solutions that support sustainable industrial growth. The company combines economic performance with environmental responsibility and social commitment, serving customers across nearly every industrial sector worldwide. With approximately 112,000 employees globally, BASF operates through key business segments including Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care, alongside Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions businesses.

In 2024, BASF reported global sales of €65.3 billion. The company’s shares are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol BAS and are also traded in the United States as American Depositary Receipts under BASFY.