BASF has commenced commercial production of Elastollan® Flame Retardant (FR) Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) at its Shanghai facility, further strengthening its footprint in Asia Pacific. The site is now qualified to manufacture both Halogen-free Flame-Retardant (FHF) and FR grades, providing customers with a broad and locally produced portfolio of flame-retardant TPU solutions.
The latest development follows the successful localization of the FHF TPU series at the Shanghai plant in 2023. With the addition of the FR series, BASF expands its offering to include solutions engineered for more demanding application environments that require elevated flame-retardant performance alongside strong mechanical properties.
By producing both FHF and FR grades locally, BASF enhances its ability to serve key cable industry segments such as industrial automation, robotics and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Local manufacturing enables faster response times, improved supply reliability and closer collaboration with customers to meet regional regulatory standards and specialized safety requirements.
Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF, said the start of FR grade production marks an important step in strengthening the company’s position in strategic growth sectors. He noted that combining high flame-retardant efficiency with robust mechanical performance allows BASF to address increasingly complex technical specifications across cable applications, while also opening opportunities in specialty tubes, hoses and belt systems.
Elastollan® TPU is widely recognized for its durability, flexibility and resistance to abrasion, oil and chemicals. The availability of advanced flame-retardant variants produced within the region supports customers seeking materials that deliver safety, performance and compliance without compromising processing efficiency.
At BASF, the focus is on creating chemistry that supports a more sustainable future. The company combines economic success with environmental responsibility and social commitment. Approximately 112,000 employees worldwide contribute to customer success across nearly every industry and region. BASF operates through core segments including Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care, alongside standalone businesses in Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. In 2024, BASF reported global sales of €65.3 billion. BASF shares are listed in Frankfurt (BAS) and traded in the United States as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY).
BASF’s Performance Materials division focuses on advancing the plastics industry by integrating sustainability with high performance. Supported by strong research capabilities and a global production network, the division delivers tailored solutions for automotive, construction, consumer goods and industrial markets. In 2024, the division generated sales of €6.8 billion, underscoring its role as a key contributor to BASF’s global portfolio.
