Competence in Plastics - Brochure - BASF Plastics Portal

Competence
in Plastics

2
Foreword
Whether as materials for everyday objects, insulation or packaging,
life without plastics is now unimaginable. This is the result of more
than five decades of close cooperation between plastics manufacturers
and processors. The first industrial production of polystyrene
and polyamide by BASF were milestones in the history of plastics,
and BASF has been active in shaping the industry ever since.
Plastics – influencing everyday life
No material that is used in comparable amounts comes anywhere
near to matching the growth rates for plastics. In all regions of the
world, demand for plastics is rising faster than the respective gross
domestic product. This is because plastics are the material of choice
when it comes to satisfying the requirements of everyday life and
making the way we live as pleasant as possible. Plastics are always
the number one choice – for the packaging and transport of food,
house construction and insulation, household applications, transport
or leisure activities.
Plastics – eco-efficient, functional and beautiful
Plastics help to increase energy efficiency and save resources: Over
the life of a product, plastics used in vehicles, electrical appliances
or buildings save far more oil and gas than were needed to produce
them in the first place. Plastics are easy to process. Even complicated
integrated components can be manufactured in only a few steps. At the
same time, they offer an enormous variety of unique properties. Plastics
are suitable for energy recovery or feedstock and mechanical recycling.
When the entire product lifecycle is taken into account, plastics are
usually best – both economically and environmentally. Plastics combine
functionality and beauty to provide ideal solutions.
Plastics – innovations that will shape the future
Today, BASF’s plastics are represented in all the world’s major markets
– wherever our customers are. Together with our customers,
we are systematically developing the properties of plastics to open
up new applications. This brochure offers you an insight into these
developments. Join us in taking a closer look at the world of potential
offered by BASF and its plastics portfolio. Joint development
efforts with intelligent solutions – both economically attractive and
sustainable.
Dr. Martin Brudermüller
Member of the Board of
Executive Directors of BASF SE

Foreword 02
Plastics – Versatile materials with future potential 04 -05
Energy-efficient products and system solutions 06-07
Mobility – Lighter, more economical, cleaner 08-09
Construction – Saving energy, conserving resources 10 -11
Communication – Keeping in touch worldwide 12 -13
Leisure – Getting closer to nature 14 -15
Packaging – Thin layers keep things fresh 16 -17
Overview – Industries and products 18 -19
Overview of BASF plastics 20 -29
Recovery – The end is just the beginning 30-31
Dialogue: Plastics – Opportunities for the future 32 -33
List of abbreviations & Contact 34 -35
3

4
Plastics – Versatile materials
with future potential
Plastics are only a few decades old, yet within
this short time they have already become firmly
established in every area of our lives. Polymer
chemistry is still so young, however, that it has an
enormous potential to contribute toward sustainable
development.
Plastics are everywhere: Hardly a single aspect of our daily life is now
conceivable without them. There are many different kinds, and they have
a broad spectrum of properties. Some are soft, others hard, some are
tough, while others are fragile; there are foamed and smooth, transparent
and opaque plastics. But all plastics have one thing in common:
They are polymers, consisting of long chains made up of individual basic
units known as monomers. Nature successfully utilizes this construction
principle in countless ways. Sugars, starches or plant fibers like cellulose
are some examples.
The structural units for plastics are produced mainly from oil and gas.
Varying the chain length, incorporating branches or combining different
basic units produces materials capable of performing a multiplicity of
functions and which can also be processed easily and efficiently.
The highly efficient structural principle underlying polymer chemistry
has revolutionized the world of engineering materials within a few
decades. Plastics offer many advantages, especially from an environmental
point of view. Compared to other materials, they require little
energy for production and processing. Their main benefit, however, lies
in the huge range of applications they make possible. Thanks to their
versatile, tailor-made properties, plastics are indispensable in many
areas. Plastics already make a significant contribution to conserving
resources and reducing the impact on the environment. And there is
no doubt that they will continue to grow in importance worldwide as we
tackle the current and future challenges of securing our standard of living
and quality of life.
Experience and know-how throughout the entire process chain from production,
through computer-aided design to component testing:
• Production of caprolactam
• Computer-aided design of a headlight frame made from Ultradur ®
• Component testing of an inlet manifold made from Ultradur

BASF has achieved many major breakthroughs in the plastics sector,
such as the first industrial-scale manufacture of polystyrene in 1930
and polyamide in 1940. This was followed 10 years later by the invention
of Styropor ® . Research into many new basic polymer units at the
beginning of the plastics era has resulted in improved combinations of
properties, especially by modifying known polymers, and has yielded
creative ideas for processing technologies. Two examples are the in -
vention of Neopor ® , which surpasses even the classical Styropor in
its energy-saving properties, and Elastocoast ® , an innovative coastal
protection system based on polyurethane. But research activities also
include the search for increasingly efficient production processes to turn
valuable raw materials into high-performance plastics. BASF, as one
of the world’s largest plastics producers, is thereby contributing to sustainable
development and helping to safeguard our future.
Global consumption of mineral oil
In percent
Electricity
Heating
Chemistry
Transport Plastics
Source: ExxonMobil and Wintershall
8
50
Only five percent of the world’s oil is used to produce plastic materials. The energy saved thanks
to the use of plastics far exceeds this amount.
32
10
5
PlaSTicS – VErSaTilE maTErialS wiTh fuTurE PoTEnTial
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Energy-efficient products
and system solutions
BaSf is one of the world’s leading producers of plastics.
our Performance Polymers and Poly urethanes
divisions offer energy-efficient products and system
solutions as well as customer-oriented services.
Strategy
We concentrate on activities which allow us to distinguish ourselves
from our market competitors and offer us profitable growth opportunities.
Our customers are primarily in the construction, automotive,
electrical and electronics, textile, packaging and furniture industries.
The diverse properties of our plastics are also increasingly appealing
to customers from other industries. By substituting for other materials,
we broaden our portfolio of customer industries, grow faster than the
market and become less dependent on the cyclicality of individual industries.
When developing new products and system solutions, we
focus on close cooperation with our customers. We aim to improve
our production processes in a sustainable way: conserving more
resources, producing more energy efficiently, and using more costeffective
raw materials.
Our products
The Performance Polymers division is one of the world’s leading suppliers
of engineering plastics, polyamides and polyamide intermediates,
foams and specialty plastics.
We offer our customers a broad portfolio of engineering plastics based
on polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 ( Ultramid ® ). This is complemented
by our products Ultradur ® , Ultraform ® and Ultrason ® . Due to their special
mechanical properties and the combination of low weight with high
temperature and chemical resistance, our engineering plastics are widely
used in the automotive, electrical and electronics industries as well as
for household appliances and in sports and leisure products.
For the textile, packaging and food industries, we offer polyamide polymers
as important base products for the manufacturing of fibers and
films. Our product range also includes Ecoflex ® and Ecovio ® – biodegradable
specialty plastics, for example for the packaging industry.

Freeport Geismar
Verbund site
Production / compounding
System house
Research / development
Styropor ® and its innovative refinement Neopor ® – both styrene-based
precursors for foams – are used as insulating material for construction
and packaging. Our foams contribute not only to energy efficiency: The
melamine-based foam Basotect ® also provides excellent sound absorption
in buildings, cars and airplanes.
The Polyurethanes division is one of the leading suppliers of basic
products, systems and specialties. With our worldwide network of 38
polyurethane system houses and our comprehensive product and service
portfolio, we are the preferred partner of our customers in many
industries.
Our polyurethane solutions help to save energy sustainable and are
used extensively for cold as well as heat insulation applications. Rigid
foam products are the preferred material for many cooling systems for
Antwerp Ludwigshafen
Nanjing
Kuantan
food or pharmaceutical products. The use of polyurethane insulation in
all the steps of a cold chain saves up to 16 times more energy than is
required to manufacture the polyurethane. Our Elastopor ® , Elastopir ®
and Elastocool ® materials combine greater insulation capacity with
innovative technology to guarantee superior refrigeration. Furthermore,
our polyurethane solutions are used to insulate hot water tanks and
pipelines for district heating or cooling.
In the automotive industry, polyurethanes help make vehicle designs
lighter and more attractive, and improve their functionality. Manufacturers
of shoe soles, mattresses, household appliances and sports
equipment also use the manifold opportunities and advantages of this
specialty plastic and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our
polyurethane experts worldwide.
EnErgy-EfficiEnT ProducTS and SySTEm SoluTionS
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Mobility – Lighter, more
economical, cleaner
one hundred and twenty times as much petroleum is
now consumed by road traffic than in the total production
of plastics for the automotive sector. lighter
vehicles can significantly reduce fuel consumption,
thus conserving resources. BaSf plastics are making
this possible: Their uses range from bodywork and
chassis to interior fittings and engine components.
BASF offers a wide range of cost-efficient products designed to make
cars lighter, longer-lasting and thus more eco-compatible.
At the same time, BASF is working with partners in the automotive
industry to create new applications for plastics. We have made pioneering
achievements: for example in developing plastic inlet manifolds,
fuel tanks, accelerator pedals, fenders, dashboards and engine sumps.
Today, a modern medium-sized car in western Europe
contains about 200 kilograms of plastics that make
driving safer and more comfortable. using plastics
instead of other materials also reduces vehicle
weight and consequently fuel consumption. in western
Europe, this results in fuel savings of around 2.3
million tons and reduces co2 emissions by approximately
9.2 million tons.
This has led to the use of manufacturing technologies such as vibration
welding, which make a significant contribution toward reducing manufacturing
costs.
High fuel consumption is no longer an unavoidable feature of automobiles:
About one-half of fuel consumption depends on the weight of the
vehicle. Plastics reduce this weight and so help to conserve energy
and reduce emissions.

Product developments under the aspects of material strength and weight reduction:
• First engine sump for trucks made of a thermoplastic polymer ( Ultramid ® )
• Inlet manifold made from Ultramid
• Cellasto ® spring and damping element
For example, an inlet manifold made from plastic weighs half as much
as the corresponding metal part. Reducing the weight of a car by 100
kilograms reduces fuel consumption by around 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
Another advantage: Plastic doesn’t rust. Exterior parts therefore do
not need a surface coating. Plastic also improves safety – the airbag,
itself made of plastic fibers, is enclosed in a plastic housing, the steering
wheel and dashboard displays are surrounded by foamed plastic,
the mechanical components of safety belts or interior fittings – all these
things can be made with the help of BASF plastics.
Last but not least, polyurethane applications with Elastollan ® and
Elastoskin ® ensure that door handles, center consoles and dashboards
have a great surface feel and look good.
Not only automobiles benefit from the new materials. In shipbuilding, a
steel-polyurethane-steel composite ( Sandwich Plate System) is replacing
conventional steel components as structural elements. It offers
greater strength, better vibration absorbance and reduced weight, all
for lower overall costs. Plastics from BASF also improve economy, performance
and comfort in rail and air traffic.
moBiliTy – lighTEr, morE Economical, clEanEr
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Construction – Saving energy,
conserving resources
Building and living without plastics is now hardly
imaginable. from the basement to the roof they bring
color into the home, create attractive surfaces, offer
protection against noise, cold and heat. in this way
they help conserve ener gy and reduce the burden
on the environment, since heating is responsible for
about 30 percent of global oil consumption. Perhaps
the homes of the future will no longer need conventional
heating, thanks to plastic insulating materials
that already exist today.
The use of insulating materials made from BASF plastics saves fossil
energy resources and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This makes a
major contribution to climate protection.
BASF offers a complete range of solutions for insulation based on polystyrene
and polyurethane. Styropor ® for the manufacture of rigid polystyrene
foam is an invention of BASF and is now almost a synonym for insulating
board.
The efficiency of Styropor is enormous: In an 80 m2 older apartment
insu lated with Styropor board, it is possible to save 1,120 liters of heating
oil and 3,600 kilograms of CO2 annually. This corresponds to a
re duction of more than 70 percent compared with the heating energy
required for a non-insulated apartment. However, only 973 liters of oil
are needed to produce the Styropor board to insulate the apartment.
Based on cal culations for the whole of Germany, more than 20 million
Long life and protection against heat and cold conserve resources – possible thanks to products
from BASF:
• Neopor ® also insulates where space is restricted: e.g., when modernizing older buildings
• Styrodur ® C is suitable for external insulation at ground level and in areas exposed to compression
low-energy houses – whether old or new – are no
problem with insulating foams made from plastic.
The “three-liter house” – an older building modernized
using innovative BaSf products – requires
three liters of heating oil per square meter and year,
equivalent to only 12 percent of the original heating
energy. as a result, co2 emissions are reduced by over
80 percent.
tons of heating oil and more than 50 million tons of CO2 emissions
could be saved every year.
What was recently regarded as unbeatable, has now been surpassed:
The silver-gray Neopor ® , an advanced form of Styropor, provides the
same insulating effect with significantly less raw materials. As a result,
costs and resources are saved and the environmental impact further
reduced. Although the thickness of the layer is reduced by 15 to 20 percent,
the material provides the same insulating performance and so it can
be used when there is limited space, for example in modernizing older
buildings.
A further product based on polystyrene is the green-colored, extruded
Styrodur ® C. This material is very compression resistant, absorbs practically
no water and is thus particularly suitable as heat insulation for
floors, flat roofs, basement walls, refrigerated and store rooms, and even
in road and rail construction.

Polyurethanes are energy-efficient all-rounders. As well as helping to save
energy and costs, rigid polyurethane foams offer architects design freedom
and create more living space by enabling thinner construction elements. In
housebuilding, polyurethane is therefore used in many roof, wall and floor
applications. Moreover, Elastopor ® and Elastopir ® rigid foams are used as
the core material in metal-faced sandwich panels, for example as facade
and roof elements in cold stores and industrial buildings.
Thanks to their outstandings insulating properties, rigid polyurethane foams
are used in many applications, not just in buildings. They are to be found
in almost all the world’s refrigerators and freezers, for instance. In addition,
they are used to insulate hot water tanks and district heating pipes.
Living comfort can also be enhanced by the use of latent heat stores in
plastic microcapsules that can be incorporated in the plaster of buildings.
As temperatures rise, the waxy contents of the capsules melt, thereby
storing the heat.
Basotect ® , a flexible open-cell foamed plastic made from melamine
resin provides a pleasant quiet indoor environment due to its high sound
absorption capacity. In the construction sector, Basotect is also used to
insulate solar panels and boilers.
Polyurethanes are not just used as insulating materials in the construction
industry: Elastocoast ® , an innovative solution for coastal protection based
on polyurethane has been further developed by BASF researchers. The
result is Elastopave ® , a polyurethane system that provides a stable, flexible
and porous covering layer for surfaces such as sidewalks and cycle
paths, parking lots and schoolyards.
• Coastal protection with Elastocoast ®
• Polyurethane sandwich panels
conSTrucTion – SaVing EnErgy, conSErVing rESourcES
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Communication –
Keeping in touch worldwide
The technologies of the future are only possible thanks
to the properties of plastics: These include their high
mechanical strength, efficient processing techniques
and good insulating properties.
The worldwide networking of communications media has become a
matter of course in just a few years. Business enterprises now rely
completely on global contacts, information circles the globe in seconds,
and private users also benefit greatly from the new technology in their
daily lives. Without plastics none of this would be possible. They are an
indispensable part of communications technology. Video conferences
and webinars eliminate unnecessary travel and help conserve energy.
In mobile telephones and computers, important components in all types
of modern equipment are made from BASF plastics.
modern information technology has made multi media
communications possible around the globe – and this
is now a basic requirement for the successful functioning
of the world economy. Plastics are an integral part
of this technology, in computers, telephones or as
satellite dishes.
Outwardly, they are visible as displays, housings and keyboards, while on
the inside plastics act as supports and anchors to ensure that everything
stays in place. Similarly, plastics provide good electrical insulation. Roofmounted
satellite dishes are also made of plastic. After all, despite sun,
rain and snow they should continue functioning for years, without rusting,
and above all reliably and fault-free – plastic makes all this possible.

For fast and reliable communication:
• Telephone plug made from Ultradur ®
• Displays, housings and keyboards made from BASF plastics
• Glass fiber cable cladding made from high molecular weight Ultradur
Many components in electrical and electronic devices require flame
re tardant properties for safety reasons. BASF offers solutions that take
equal account of safety aspects and environmental protection. The
product range includes plastics with organic or inorganic flame retardants
that may contain halogens or be halogen-free depending on the
respective application. In the 21st century, plastics are providing the
basis for revolutionary communication and information technologies.
The data highway depends on ultra-high performance fiber optic cables.
Here, polymers are already doing valuable service as glass fiber coatings
and will one day probably replace glass fiber completely. Screens and
monitors too cannot manage without plastics. The optical sharpness of
flat panel displays is now improved by a polymer coating. Plastic films
have already replaced TV tubes and the next generation of electronic
devices will also rely on innovations based on plastics.
communicaTion – KEEPing in Touch worldwidE
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Leisure –
Getting closer to nature
games, sports and recreation – more and more people
are using their leisure time to get out and about
in our highly technological world. hiking, traveling
and a whole range of sporting activities are becoming
increasingly popular. clothing and equipment made
from BaSf plastics are creating new leisure-time
Sailing, surfing, skiing, jogging, hiking, cycling – many leisure activities
take place outdoors. BASF plastics help people make the most of their
leisure time – with a positive impact on health and fitness. Plastics are
distinguished by a combination of particularly favorable properties: they
are light, highly flexible, insulate effectively against cold, absorb shock,
and are durable and resistant. Ultralight sailboats, brightly colored surfboards,
high-strength skis, balls, tennis and golf clubs as well as sports
shoes for all needs are now made from high tech materials.
possibilities and help top athletes to achieve peak
competitive performance.
from surfboards and sports shoes to safety helmets –
BaSf plastics make our leisure time safer and more
attractive. and new applications are constantly being
added.
Good shoes are essential for all sporting activities. This is another area
in which polyurethanes and BASF brands like Elastopan ® are also widely
employed: They are used to make the soles of football, running and golf
shoes and the shells of ski boots.
Neopolen ® P serves as the underbase of long-lasting artificial turf that is
easy on the joints of players. Fibers made of a special grade of Ultramid ®
go into the manufacture of T-shirts that exhibit a consistently high level
of UV protection even after they have been worn and laundered several
times, and regardless of whether the garment is wet or dry.

No sporting activities without plastics – whether on sand, asphalt, water or snow:
• Kickboard with wheels made from abrasion-resistant PolyTHF ®
• Artificial turf with a Neopolen ® underbase
• Elastopan ® shoe soles offer guaranteed high wearer comfort
• Snowboard binding made from Ultramid ®
lEiSurE – gETTing cloSEr To naTurE
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Packaging –Thin layers
keep things fresh
about one-half of the food produced in developing
countries becomes spoiled, while in Europe only one
to two percent suffers this fate. modern packaging
keeps food hygienic and fresh, protects goods from
damage and provides consumers with important
Plastics account for 17 percent by weight of all packaging materials.
This might not sound like a lot, but roughly one-half of all commodities
are packaged in plastics. Plastics have so much to offer when used
as packaging. For example, a plastic bag weighs less than 10 grams,
but can be used to carry up to 10 kilograms! A polystyrene pot for 150
grams of yogurt weighs 5 grams, whereas a glass jar for the same
amount weighs 85 grams.
Combining low weight with high performance is the great strength of
plastic packaging. This means that plastics reduce the impact on the
environment in a variety of ways: Their manufacture consumes much
information. Plastics are particularly eco-efficient
when it comes to packaging. over the years, the
weight of packaging has been steadily reduced so
that more goods can be packaged with less plastic.
less energy than for conventional materials, and the costs, volume of
waste and greenhouse gas emissions are also much lower. And lighter
packaging also saves fuel during transport. It is therefore no surprise
that plastic packaging also looks good in ecobalance calculations. Back
in 1985, a study commissioned by the German Federal Environmental
Agency showed that the manufacture of a plastic carrier bag places a
smaller burden on the environment than the manufacture of a paper
carrier bag. Studies conducted for yogurt pots, polyethylene sleeves as
milk packaging and polyethylene bags for fruit came to similar conclusions.

The thinner, the easier on resources:
• Styropor ® crates for the safe transport of food
• Cling film made from Ecoflex ® is biodegradable
• Paper cup coated with biodegradable Ecovio ® FS Paper
Various types of film are particularly effective as packaging materials.
Although they are usually only a few hundredths of a millimeter thick,
they protect foods from oxygen, keep moisture out and stop flavors
and fragrances from escaping. Composite films especially that consist
of several ultrathin layers (e. g., polyethylene and Ultramid ® ) combine
these properties to optimum effect. But the potential uses of plastics
have not yet been exhausted: Styroflex ® developed by BASF, for example,
performs just as well as conventional packaging but uses even less
material, thus making a further contribution to waste prevention and
eco-efficiency. BASF’s biodegradable products Ecoflex ® and Ecovio ®
extend the range for special applications.
Consequences of packaging without plastics
Figures in percent
100
packaging
weight
398
100
189
manufacturing
costs
100
garbage
collection
volume
alternative packaging materials
plastics packagings
161
100
150
production
energy
Source: Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung mbH ( GVM )
Gesellschaft für umfassende Analysen ( GUA )
100
195
greenhouse
gas
emissions
Example: Germany
PacKaging – Thin layErS KEEP ThingS frESh
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Overview –
Industries and products
Engineering plastics
Ultradur ® (PBT)
Ultraform ® (POM)
Ultramid ® (PA)
Ultrason ® (PESU, PPSU, PSU)
Foams
Basotect ®
E-por ®
Neopolen ® (EPE, EPP)
Neopor ® (EPS)
Palusol ®
Styrodur ® C (XPS)
Styropor ® (EPS) / Peripor ® (EPS)
Polyurethanes
Cellasto ®
Elastollan ®
PU basic products
PU systems
Biodegradable
plastics
Ecoflex ® / Ecovio ®
Automotive
Construction
Electrical
Engineering Communication Packaging

Toys, Sports
and Leisure Household
Mechanical
Engineering Construction
Medical
Technology
ProducTS and SEcTorS
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Overview of BaSF plastics
EnGInEErInG PLaSTICS
ulTradur ®
(PBT)
High rigidity and strength Very good dimensional stability under heat Exceptional resistance to weathering Low water absorption
ulTraform ®
(Pom)
www.ultradur.de ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com
High rigidity and stiffness Good resilience properties Excellent resistance to chemicals Outstanding sliding friction properties
ulTramid ® (Pa)
www.plasticsportal.eu/ultraform ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com
High strength and stiffness Excellent toughness Good resilience properties Easy processing
ulTramid ® (Pa)
for ExTruSion
www.ultramid.de ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com
Outstanding mechanical properties Puncture resistance High transparency Oxygen, flavor and aroma barrier Heat resistance Thermoformability
www.polyamides.basf.com extrusion.ultramid@basf.com

EnGInEErInG PLaSTICS
ulTramid ® for
fiBErS (Pa6)
Tenacity Softness Abrasion resistance Elastic recovery Outstanding processing properties
ulTraSon ®
(PESu, PPSu,
PSu)
High stiffness Very good mechanical strength Very high long-term service temperature Excellent hydrolysis resistance
FOaMS
BaSoTEcT ®
E-Por ®
www.polyamides.basf.com
www.ultrason.de ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com
Melamine resin foam Low weight High sound absorption capacity Good thermal insulation properties High temperature resistance
Flame-resistant Safe fire behavior
www.basotect.com basotect@basf.com
Viscoelastic, crack-resistant foam Appealing haptic and optical properties Can be stored, processed and recycled like classical Styropor ®
First choice for protection of high value products
www.e-por.basf.com e-por@basf.com
oVErViEw of BaSf PlaSTicS
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Overview of BaSF Plastics
FOaMS
nEoPolEn ® E
(EPE)
Good cushioning effect Excellent recovery Resistance against chemicals Low water absorption
nEoPolEn ® P
(EPP)
www.neopolen.com neopolen@basf.com
Unchanged high energy absorption after repeated impact load Molding density adjustable to meet specific requirements Resistance against chemicals
Free from propellant gases and other chemical blowing agents
nEoPor ® (EPS)
Up to 20 % better insulation Up to 50 % lower use of materials than conventional EPS
PEriPor ® (EPS)
STyroPor ® (EPS)
Excellent thermal insulation capacity Imperviousness to moisture Outstanding impact absorption Low weight
Peripor: Particularly suitable for applications exposed to compressive load High compressive strength
www.neopolen.com neopolen@basf.com
www.neopor.de neopor@basf.com
www.neopor.de neopor@basf.com

FOaMS
PaluSol ®
Suitable for applications in fire doors, bulkheads and security cabinets Silicate-based, non-combustible fire-protection panel Low response temperature
Low component thickness
PaluSol ® Sw
STyrodur ® c
(xPS)
Hydrophobic insulation material with a high compressive strength Styrodur ® C is synonymous with XPS in Europe
Environmentally friendly – contains air as cell gas instead of blowing agent
www.palusol.com palusol@basf.com
Consists of Palusol ® panels and high-density fiberboards ( HDF ) Suitable for applications in panel fire doors Low response temperature Cooling effect
Low component thickness Tested fire resistance up to 90 minutes
www.palusol.com palusol@basf.com
www.styrodur.com styrodur@basf.com
oVErViEw of BaSf PlaSTicS
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Overview of BaSF Plastics
POLYUrETHanES
cEllaSTo ®
Volume compressible Absorbs noise and vibrations Suitable for confined spaces Long service-life Improves driving comfort and dynamics
Highly loadable
coSyPur ®
www.cellasto.de cellasto-eu@basf.com
Extraordinary elasticity Exceptional air-permeability Excellent long-term use properties Low emissions Molding densities from 40 to 250 kg /m³
Adjustable rigidity and recovery properties Breathable Good continuous characteristics
ElaSTocoaST ®
www.pu.basf.eu pu-blockweichschaum@basf.com
Durable Open-cell Porous structure Reduces wave power Optimum adhesion of the stones to contact points Easy and quick processing
Environmentally friendly High impact resistance Maintains cavities
ElaSTocoaT ®
www.elastocoast.com elastocoast-info@basf.com
Permanently elastic No manual dosing necessary Heat and weather-proof Long-lasting Noise-absorbing Hardens quickly Scratch-proof
Wear-resistant Easy to process
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com

POLYUrETHanES
ElaSTocool ®
Extremely high insulation Low heat conduction Low weight High energy-saving potential
ElaSTocorE ®
ElaSToflEx ® w
www.pu.basf.eu pu-hartschaum@basf.com
Superior performance Impact-proof because the elastomer core can better spread and absorb the forces acting on the components Vibration-absorbing
Improved fatigue and corrosion resistance Highly durable
ElaSToflEx ® E
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
High stability and heat-related dimensional stability Excellent stone chip resistance Low wall thickness possible Short ex-mold time Extremely light
Highly sound and vibration-absorbent Good adhesion to the carrier material
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
Excellent resilience Outstanding durability Broad freedom of design Recyclable Excellent seating comfort Variable thickness Ergonomic molding
Absorption of noise and vibration Easy processing Can be produced in various hardnesses
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
oVErViEw of BaSf PlaSTicS
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Overview of BaSF Plastics
POLYUrETHanES
ElaSTofoam ®
Soft, elastic and highly abrasion-resistant Mechanical and chemical resistance Elastic even after long-term use
ElaSToliT ®
www.pu.basf.eu pu-blockweichschaum@basf.com
High impact strength Distinctive rigidity Narrow wall thickness Boundless design freedom High surface quality Optimum flow properties
Quick removal from mold Very easy processing Elastic Good bending strength
ElaSTollan ®
ElaSToPan ®
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
Lightweight Adjustable hardness Transparent despite high wall thickness Good working qualities High abrasion and cold resistance
Available in Shore hardnesses 98A to 64D High flexibility in the cold UV-resistant
www.elastollan.com pu-elastomere@basf.com
Very comfortable to wear Good absorption features Elastic Long-lasting Good adherence to surface varnish Toughness comparable to wood
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com

POLYUrETHanES
ElaSToPaVE ®
High compressive strength No rut formation Water and air-permeable Temperature-resistant Easy processing Frost-proof
ElaSToPir ®
Excellent fire protection features Superior thermal and mechanical features Easy processing
ElaSToPor ®
ElaSToShorE ®
Excellent thermal insulation Not compressible
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
www.pu.basf.eu elastopir-eu@basf.com
High insulation Good adhesion to other materials Excellent temperature constancy Lightweight Pressure-resistant Easy processing
Meets high structural requirements Extremely low thermal conductivity
www.pu.basf.eu pu-insulation@basf.com
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
oVErViEw of BaSf PlaSTicS
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Overview of BaSF Plastics
POLYUrETHanES
ElaSToSKin ®
Low odor Low fogging and emission levels (below VDA norm 278) Easy to process Environmentally friendly
ElaSTuran ®
BIODEGraDaBLE PLaSTICS
EcoflEx ®
EcoVio ®
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
High dynamic resilience Top mechanical stability Low friction levels Extremely low deformation High flexibility
www.pu.basf.eu pu-spezialsysteme@basf.com
Enabling polymer for bio degradable compounds Compostable Certified as biodegradable according to DIN EN 13432
Petrochemical based Complies with food safety requirements
www.plasticsportal.eu/ecoflex plas.com@basf.com
BASF’s product family for biodegradable compounds Consists of Ecoflex ® and polylactic acid (PLA) Compostable
Certified as biodegradable according to DIN EN 13432 Complies with food safety requirements
www.ecovio.com plas.com@basf.com

DESIGnFaBrIK TM
Surrounded by pipelines and technical
plants, the designfabrik TM is located
in the heart of BASF’s parent site
in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Here the
industrial designers of BASF advise
customers and designers concerning
design in plastics. They help with the
initial material selection and a plastic
appropriate component design or
with choosing an adequate process
technology – thus they can bridge the
gap between the world of designers
and the world of plastics. Once the
projects have reached an advanced
stage, if necessary, they also arrange
contacts with other BASF plastic
specialists.
designfabrik Tm service package:
Finding suitable materials for each design idea Choosing the right processing method Developing a design
suitable for plastics Color library with 20,000 colors Large variety of surface textures
www.designfabrik.basf.de designfabrik@basf.com
oVErViEw of BaSf PlaSTicS
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recovery –The end
is just the beginning
Sixty percent of all materials made from plastics
have a life of over eight years. one-quarter have
already reached the end of their lifetime after one
year. But used plastics are also a valuable source
of raw materials. recovery of waste plastics must
There are four approaches to the recovery of plastics: thermal recovery,
mechanical recycling, organic recycling and feedstock recycling. Which
of these approaches is used depends on the type of plastics and the
composition of the waste streams containing the plastic. Eco-efficiency
studies can help decide which method is most appropriate.
Energy recovery ( incineration with recovery of energy)
Almost all post-consumer plastics – whether separated according to
polymer type or mixed, clean or with impurities – can be used to re -
cover energy because all plastics have a high calorific value. Most
plastics contain about as much energy as crude oil. Clean incineration
with energy recovery in suitable efficient plants reduces the burden
on the environment and conserves fossil fuels.
take equal account of environmental, economic and
technical aspects.
in germany, nearly 80 percent of all waste plastics
are now recovered. in Europe as a whole, the rate is
almost 50 percent.
• Telephone housings and granules recovered from them for the
production of plastics containing recycled material
• Engine cover made from mechanically recycled polyamide
Mechanical recycling
If large amounts of homogeneous, uncontaminated scrap waste is
available, for example in production and processing plants or from
industrial packaging, the plastic can be remelted to produce new
molded components. With more complex products, the effort required
for dismantling, sorting, cleaning and processing limits the benefits of
mechanical recovery.
Organic recycling
Organic recycling is also an option for biodegradable plastics. The BASF
products Ecoflex ® and Ecovio ® have been developed primarily for applications
such as shopping bags and bags for organic waste, which –
together with biowaste – can be transformed into valuable compost in
an industrial composting facility.

Degradation of Ecoflex ® in the first week … … in the second week … … and in the fourth week
Feedstock recycling
Mixed plastic wastes can also be reduced by chemical means to their
original components which can then be re-used as raw materials. Thus,
mixtures of different and even contaminated plastics can also be processed.
The resulting raw materials can then be used to manufacture
new material to the same standard as if it were made from crude oil,
while conserving fossil fuel.
As a major plastics manufacturer, BASF has done pioneering work in
designing recovery options for wastes containing plastics by developing
groundbreaking recovery methods. Together with companies in the
plastic manufacturing industry and their customers, BASF continues
to participate in various activities to open up new options for recovering
waste containing plastics that are viable in both environmental and
economic terms.
The recovery of plastics
5% *
Plastic materials
Consumer products
Post-Use plastics
* worldwide
Landfill
Feedstock from oil
mechanical
recycling
Recycling
feedstock
recycling
90 % *
energy
recovery
rEcoVEry – ThE End iS juST ThE BEginning
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Dialogue: Plastics –
Opportunities for the future
BaSf manufactures plastics that combine high efficiency
with low energy requirements and that have
a broad range of properties. as a result, we make a
significant contribution to sustainable development
and to securing basic needs and increasing the
standard of living.
The human race will only be able to survive in the
long term if it can develop sustainable forms of living
and economic activity. The efficient use of resources is
one of the most important goals. in many areas of life,
plastics are already playing a major role in reducing
the eco-burden, conserving resources and preventing
climate change. This trend will become even more
pronounced in future.

In the transport sector, plastics allow the construction of lighter vehicles,
with resulting fuel savings and a reduction in emissions.
In the building industry, high performance insulating materials made
from plastic help reduce heat loss in houses and substantially reduce
oil and gas consumption. Low energy houses will soon be the norm.
They not only economize on raw materials but also reduce the output
of carbon dioxide.
But not only durable plastic articles help to conserve resources. In the
field of packaging in particular, the use of other materials often consumes
more energy and has a greater impact on the environment. As
their performance increases, plastics will be used even more widely
and will meet the desired packaging requirements while requiring even
fewer resources.
Plastics are likely to become established wherever they are more ecoefficient
than other materials or where they open up completely new
applications. They help achieve sustainable development and the opportunities
are far from exhausted. New ideas are now required to overcome
ingrained attitudes.
BASF is making its contribution by developing increasingly effective
plastics that can be produced with less energy and that satisfy the high
demands of customers and consumers as well as reducing the burden
on the environment.
The facts certainly speak for the benefits of plastics. But perhaps you
have questions about BASF products or about the environmental performance
of plastics in general. If so, please feel free write to us or give
us a call – we would be happy to provide you with more information
and hear your ideas, wishes and comments.
dialoguE: PlaSTicS – oPPorTuniTiES for ThE fuTurE
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34
List of abbreviations &
Contact
list of abbreviations
EPE Expanded polyethylene PPSU Polyphenylsulfone
EPP Expanded polypropylene PS Polystyrene
EPS Expandable polystyrene PSU Polysulfone
PA Polyamide PU, PUR Polyurethane
PBT Polybutylene terephthalate TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane
PES, PESU Polyethersulfone XPS Extruded polystyrene
POM Polyoxymethylene

contact us by post, telephone or e-mail:
BASF SE
Plastic Affairs & Communications
PO / K, E 100
67056 Ludwigshafen
Phone.: + 49 621 60 - 42301
E-mail: dialog.kunststoffe@basf.com
request of brochures:
BASF SE
KT / K, F 204
67056 Ludwigshafen
Fax: + 49 621 60 - 49497
E-mail: plas.com@basf.com
You can find this brochure and further information on BASF’s plastics on the Internet at:
www.plasticsportal.net or www.basf.com/productfinder
Note
The data contained in this publication are based on our current knowledge and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect processing and application of our product,
these data do not relieve processors from carrying out own investigations and tests; neither do these data imply any guarantee of certain properties, nor the suitability
of the product for a specific purpose. Any descriptions, drawings, photographs, data, proportions, weights etc. given herein may change without prior information and do not
constitute the agreed contractual quality of the product. It is the responsibility of the recipient of our products to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and legislation
are observed. ( December 2011 )
liST of aBBrEViaTionS & conTacT
35

® = registered trademark of BASF in a large number of countries
KST 1006 BE