BASF launches Irgastab^® PUR 71, a cutting-edge antioxidant improving regulatory compliance and performance for polyols and polyurethane foams

• Formulated without aromatic amine to promote a better environmental, health and safety profile
• Premium anti-scorch solution offers reduced emission levels and exceptional performance
• Sustainable alternative offers polyol and foam producers a competitive advantage

BASF presents Irgastab^® PUR 71, an innovative and advanced anti-scorch solution that not only ensures adherence to regulations but also offers exceptional performance. This premium solution has been formulated without aromatic amine, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional anti-scorch additives.  With its superior environmental, health, and safety profile, this solution meets the increasing regulatory pressure on substance classification and sustainability in the industry.

“Irgastab PUR 71 reaffirms BASF's commitment to innovation and partnership with the industry: We offer our customers a sustainable alternative to conventional solutions, empowering them to gain a significant advantage in the everchanging global market,” said Dr. Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development, Plastic Additives, BASF.  “With a proven track record in additives, backed by our global team of experts dedicated to the development of the automotive and comfort industry, we strive to pioneer cutting-edge technologies and solutions that not only enhance performance, but also promote sustainability.”

In the manufacturing of polyurethane foams, the heat generated during the process can cause discoloration, loss of mechanical properties, and even fire hazards if the polyols, the main raw materials, are not properly stabilized. While conventional anti-scorch packages rely on phenolic antioxidants combined with aromatic amine stabilizers, they come with significant drawbacks such as unpleasant odor, toxicity concerns, or high volatility.

The use of anti-scorch additives can greatly minimize degradation caused by exothermic reactions during the processing of PUR foam. Irgastab PUR 71, formulated without aromatic amine, effectively decreases emissions and lowers the potential harm to both humans and aquatic organisms. Consequently, this leads to significantly reduced levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and condensable emissions (FOG) released from PUR foams. Due to these properties, air quality within the interior of vehicles can be greatly improved, creating an advantage in the automotive industry.

Irgastab PUR 71 provides targeted application benefits in various industries. It enables lower emissions in compliance with the most stringent automotive industry specifications and improves the vehicle interior air quality. In the comfort sector, it offers state-of-the-art anti-scorch resistance to polyol as well as foam producers, preventing heat degradation during the foaming process. In addition, it has no Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic (CMR) classification, allowing polyol producers to comply with environmental voluntary certifications and keep their anti-scorch recipe confidential. For consumer goods, it enhances product quality by providing improved whiteness and resistance to color change caused by gas fading and light-induced discoloration.

Irgastab PUR 71 is part of the VALERAS^® portfolio. With VALERAS, BASF is committed to increasing the sustainability of plastics along the entire polymer value chain with innovative solutions and offerings from its plastic additives business.

About BASF Plastic Additives

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer, and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes additives that provide ease in processing, and heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including molded articles, films, fibers, sheets, and extruded profiles. The portfolio is constantly analyzed, assessed and actively improved towards solutions which make a larger contribution to sustainability. More information about plastic additives: www.plasticadditives.basf.com.

BASF plastic additives is part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes fuel and lubricant solutions, as well as oilfield chemicals and mining solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit www.performancechemicals.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 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 €87.3 billion in 2022. 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.

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