Shanghai American School welcomes safer, high performance running track

• BASF and DBC launch world-first E-TPU running track with IAAF certified full PU structure
• BASF’s E-TPU, Infinergy^® SP, gives running track high rebound performance and excellent impact absorption

Shanghai, China – August 23, 2017 – Students of Shanghai American School (SAS) in China can now enjoy a safer and improved sporting experience, thanks to the world’s first running track containing Infinergy^® SP, a special grade of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) from BASF. With its full polyurethane structure certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the sports track helps runners perform better in a safe environment.

Jointly developed by BASF and DuBaiCheng Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd (DBC), SAS is the first school to adopt BASF’s Infinergy SP in the construction of their running track. "With the outstanding cushioning effect of E-TPU particles, the track will provide a safer sporting experience for our students and help reduce the risk of sports injuries,” said Steve Doleman, Director of Activities at the Shanghai American School.

The running track structure possesses superior tensile strength and elongation and consists of a layer of polyurethane in which Infinergy SP is embedded for excellent force reduction.

BASF’s Infinergy SP combines the benefits of thermoplastic polyurethane with typical properties of foams. It consists of a closed-cell particle foam which absorbs little water, making it particularly suitable for sports flooring applications.

“We will continue to work together with our partners from DBC, Shanghai Chemical Building Material Trade Association and Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences Group, on our full value chain quality control program and bring safer sports tracks to school campuses across China,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

During the past two years, BASF and DBC have partnered on sports and playground flooring projects in dozens of schools across China using BASF’s polyurethane solutions. The first certified sports structure using expandable thermoplastic polyurethane in the world marks a milestone of the two partners in innovation and sets a benchmark for sports flooring in China.

About BASF’s Performance Materials Division
BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2016, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.9 billion. More information online: www.performance-materials.basf.com

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.