The power of chemistry at work on Incheon airport’s roof

What is the lifespan of a roof? If you’re seeking roofing for an international airport, this is an important question. A more durable roof means less frequent repairs or replacement, saving money and materials and avoiding potential disruption. 

When Incheon Airport was searching for roofing for its new Terminal 2, durability mattered. They turned to Wonpoong Corporation, a Korean company which produces thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets used as roofing membranes. Wonpoong turned to BASF.

BASF knew that the key factors to extending the life and performance of TPO roofing membranes are protection against harmful UV light, and protection against heat, two of the most detrimental factors affecting the useful life of roofing membranes. The BASF team created a package of plastic additives to endow the Wonpoong roofing membranes with the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions for a significant amount of time. With these protections in place, Wonpoong won the bid.

“When we get the chemistry right, there are multiple winners,” said Herman Althoff, Senior Vice President, Performance Chemicals, Asia Pacific, BASF. “Our formulations allow the roofing membrane to endure extreme weather conditions over an extended period of time. And we saved materials and energy, reducing both climate impact and waste.”

“We got the best results with BASF technology,” said John Yu, Director of R&D at Wonpoong Corporation. “Now we can provide our customers with more durable products.”