Haptex 2.0 – Renewed design for the next generation of synthetic leather applications

• 10 new variations of BASF’s innovative polyurethane solution Haptex^®  to serve furniture, footwear, fashion, and automotive industries
• Haptex 2.0 made without the use of organic solvents offers greater sustainability

Shanghai, China – June 29, 2020 – BASF today launched 10 variations of Haptex 2.0 – a new and improved series of its innovative polyurethane (PU) solution for the production of synthetic leather. Enhanced with a higher peel strength, anti-yellowing, and high abrasion performance properties, Haptex 2.0 enables designers to achieve high performance and the desired appearance of applications using synthetic leather across different industries, such as furniture, footwear, automotive, apparel, and accessories. Additionally, without using any organic solvents, synthetic leather made with Haptex 2.0 meets stringent VOC standards.

“Today, we present this iconic PU solution offering enhanced functionalities to the market. With Haptex 2.0, we are pushing the boundaries of creative design, and combining style with high performance for various applications,” said Manfred Pawlowski, Vice President, Consumer Industry, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “Haptex synthetic leather redefines the limits of design freedom and scores a point for sustainability: zero solvents and low levels of emission combined with top production efficiency to make our customers more competitive.”

Design freedom for furniture makers

The furniture industry has seen a resurgence in the demand for high-quality and eco-conscious leather furniture. The combination of soft-touch and high peeling strength of Haptex 2.0, compared to industry standards, will help furniture makers to meet the demand for design freedom and durability in the luxury high-end furniture market.  

Supporting the design of mobile phone accessories with quality finish and protection

Being light, flexible, and chemical resistant, Haptex is the perfect material for consumer electronic accessories, such as mobile phone covers. The leather has gone through stringent heat soak testing under conditions of 65ºC and 90% relative humidity for 72 hours with eight different solutions – sunscreen, sweat particles, olive oil, hand cream, sebum, oleic acid, insecticide, and perfume. Haptex is proven to be chemical resistant to these commonly used liquids, which results in better protection for mobile devices.

Fusing style and functionality in apparel and footwear

Leather for the footwear and fashion industry must be adaptable to allow a range of material treatments that result in textured and tumbled finishes for different designs. Thanks to Haptex 2.0, the highly versatile material can meet these requirements as well as satisfy the growing customer demand for sustainable leather. Apparel and fashion accessories, such as belts and bags, made of Haptex 2.0 leather, have a soft and supple feel, bringing comfort and fashion together. Its new high adhesive base also enables long-lasting footwear.

Drive for durability and comfort

Automotive brands are always looking for materials that improve passenger and driver comfort and experience. Synthetic leather made without organic solvents helps reduce emissions and thus odors, thereby improving the interior air quality of cars. With its excellent and soft-touch haptics, Haptex 2.0 also helps enhance the look and feel of seatings. Additionally, with its improved anti-yellowing, abrasion resistance, resistance to flex cracking, and ability to withstand a broad range of weather conditions, including temperatures down to minus 30 degrees celsius, Haptex 2.0 helps automotive makers meet the demand for more durable automobile interiors.

For more details about Haptex 2.0, visit https://plastics-rubber.basf.com/asiapacific/en/performance_polymers/products/Haptex.html

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 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 2019, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.06 bn. More information online: www.plastics.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 117,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.