BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will showcase innovative and energy efficient solutions in TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)-Elastollan NEX at Chinaplas, Asia's number one international plastics trade fair  in Pudong, Shanghai. BASF will also showcase another sustainable TPU solution, Elastollan N, which is based on renewable raw materials.

Elastollan NEX is a patented TPU with outstanding cold flexibility which brings new possibilities to applications in many different products including footwear, cable sheathing, electronics, furniture, fiber and much more. Well-known for its superior versatility, Elastollan NEX can improve production and enhance the performance of this diverse range ofproducts.  With its easy processing characteristics, it can be processed by injection, extrusion, blow molding and even calendaring.

“Elastollan NEX is a highly adaptable and unique TPU which can be processed at a temperature 30oC lower than conventional TPU, resulting in energy savings for customers of up to 20%. It enables a greater scope for overcoming design, production and performance challenges in a cost-effective and energy-saving manner,” said Dr. Jens Dierssen, Director of Elastollan TPU, BASF Polyurethanes, Asia Pacific. “The launch of Elastollan NEX at Chinaplas 2012 is a much-anticipated event for manufacturers of consumer products and other industries, particularly in China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region,” said Dr.Dierssen.  “Elastollan NEX will  add tremendous  value  in helping  our customers meet the manufacturing challenges of a rapidly changing world.” 

Apart from its energy saving benefits, Elastollan NEX can also be processed within a shorter cycle time, thereby significantly increasing productivity.  In addition, with lower processing temperature required, the thermal degradation is much minimized during the manufacturing process. As a result, Elastollan NEX is a highly recyclable material which retains its physical properties even after being reprocessed four times.

“The  advanced  features of BASF products  highlighted  at  Chinaplas 2012  reflect the comprehensive competence, cumulative knowledge and decades of experience that BASF draws upon to achieve greater excellence, in terms of  product performance,  sustainability  and productivity,” added Dr. Dierssen. “Our TPUs offer limitless potential to meet a wide range of processing technologies and provide innovative solutions that can be customized to specific needs.” 

Also on show for the first time in Asia is another BASF innovation – Elastollan N. It is produced based on renewable raw materials with more than 40% bio-content (in accordance to ASTM standard D6866). With its excellent hydrolysis resistance properties, good mechanical performance and a broad range of hardness, Elastollan N is an ideal sustainable solution for applications in  the sports, leisure and  footwear industries.