CHINAPLAS 2024: BASF China and Autoliv China cooperate on ‘Design-for-Recycling’ polyurethanes (PU) foam technology

• ‘Design-for-Recycling’ technology maintains mechanical performance of recycled material even after several rounds of recycling
• Recycled material reintroduced into ‘Design-for-Recycling’ PU foam formulation
• Autoliv China steering wheels made with a ‘Design-for-Recycling’ PU foam formulation containing the recycled content
• BASF at Chinaplas 2024: Hall 7.2 Booth C42, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)

Shanghai, China – April 15, 2024 – At CHINAPLAS 2024, BASF introduces an innovative ‘Design-for-Recycling’ polyurethanes (PU) foam technology enabling simplified and scalable recycling of PU foam. The recycled material in turn, can be reintroduced into the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ foam formulation. Together with Autoliv China, a leading global automotive supplier for steering wheels, BASF showcases steering wheels made with the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ foam solution containing the recycled content at CHINAPLAS 2024.

“By switching to the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ PU foam solution with recycled content, Autoliv is taking another concrete step towards circularity and reducing the environmental footprint of our products. In our line trials, we see the physical properties of the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ PU steering wheels were comparable to our current products made with conventional PU,” said Wallice Li, SCM & Sustainability Vice President from Autoliv China.

The unique ‘Design-for-Recycling’ technology specially developed by BASF was tested at the BASF pilot plant in Shanghai.

“Our ongoing partnership with Autoliv continuously demonstrates technical breakthrough and production efficiency. With the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ foam solution, we are contributing to the transformation of the PU value chain and closing the loop for many PU applications. We are driving innovation and verifying the recyclability of the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ technology – which is crucial for the development of our industry,” Silvia Mok, Vice President, Business Management Polyurethanes Systems, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

The amount of recycled content in the PU foam solution is currently up to 20 weightage percentage (wt%), depending on the product application. The mechanical performance of the PU foam solution with recycled content is maintained even after several recycling cycles.

Beyond steering wheels, BASF has also developed the ‘Design-for-Recycling’ foam solution for PU applications in the automotive, furniture, and footwear product segments – including automotive seating and sofa applications.

At CHINAPLAS 2024, BASF will showcase its latest innovations, competencies, and developments – particularly in the areas of sustainability and co-creation. Join us at CHINAPLAS 2024 and let us walk you through the MAKE–USE–RECYCLE phases in our plastics journey.

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About Autoliv

Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV; Nasdaq Stockholm: ALIV.sdb) is the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems. Through our group companies, we develop, manufacture and market protective systems, such as airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels for all major automotive manufacturers in the world as well as mobility safety solutions, such as pedestrian protection, connected safety services and safety solutions for riders of powered two wheelers. At Autoliv, we challenge and re-define the standards of mobility safety to sustainably deliver leading solutions. In 2023, our products saved 35,000 lives and reduced more than 450,000 injuries. Our 70,000 associates in 25 countries are passionate about our vision of Saving More Lives and quality is at the heart of everything we do. We drive innovation, research, and development at our 14 technical centers, with their 20 test tracks. Sales in 2023 amounted to $10.5 billion. For more information go to www.autoliv.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 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 €68.9 billion in 2023. 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.

About BASF’ Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our products are co-created with customers around the globe to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. Our R&D focuses on all stages of the plastics journey: Make, Use and Recycle. The MAKE phase is about improving how plastics are made, from product design to the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process itself. The USE phase enhances plastics’ strengths such as light weight, robustness, and thermal resistance. At the end of the product lifecycle, the RECYCLE phase looks at how to close the loop to achieve a circular economy. In 2023, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.2 billion. Join #ourplasticsjourney at: https://www.performance-materials.basf.com