#Textile chemistry

2024-10-17

BASF expands its sustainable polyamide portfolio with products with reduced and, for the first time, net zero CO2 footprints

With Ultramid® LowPCF (reduced CO2 footprint/“Product Carbon Footprint”, PCF**) and Ultramid® ZeroPCF* (CO2 footprint of net zero greenhouse gas emissions), BASF launches two new product variants within its polyamide value chain in Europe. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced when compared to conventional products. BASF is offering its Ultramid® B brand and the precursor caprolactam as ZeroPCF and LowPCF variants, as well as Ultramid® C as LowPCF option.

New polyamides with reduced and, for the first time, net zero CO2 footprints: Ultramid® LowPCF and Ultramid® ZeroPCF from BASF

Ultramid® LowPCF is produced using electricity from renewable energy sources and low-emission steam and Ultramid® ZeroPCF is the first polyamide 6 in the industry to achieve a CO2 footprint of net zero

Electricity from renewable sources is used to manufacture the LowPCF products, including from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm in the North Sea, in which BASF has a stake. Furthermore, low-emission steam is generated by using certified biomethane instead of natural gas. Compared to common industry benchmarks***, the PCF from raw material extraction to the factory gate (“cradle-to-gate”) is reduced by at least 30%. This PCF reduction enables the customer to reduce its Scope 3.1**** emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

In order to further reduce the PCF to net zero, BASF uses renewable raw materials according to the mass balance approach. At the beginning of the production process, fossil raw materials are replaced by the corresponding amount of certified biomethane and bio-naphtha and allocated to the sales products using the mass balance approach. ZeroPCF products are certified in accordance with the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS Standard.

“We are the first company in the world to offer both LowPCF and ZeroPCF options in the polyamide 6 value chain. With this portfolio, we meet the increasing demand in the industry and are helping our customers to achieve their sustainability goals,” said Pedro Serra, Head of Sales PA6 Europe at BASF.

With the addition of the Ultramid LowPCF and Ultramid ZeroPCF variants to the polyamide product portfolio, BASF’s Monomers division offers a broad portfolio of sustainable solutions and continues to pursue the goals outlined in its ”Sustainability Roadmap”. The division’s sustainable offerings are an essential part of BASF’s path to climate neutrality and net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

BASF will present its broad polyamide product portfolio to customers and partners in line with the ”Choose to reduce” approach at Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing. This fair will take place from October 15 to 19, 2024 at Messe Friedrichshafen.

*Ultramid® ZeroPCF = taking into account the “biogenic uptake”, i.e. the amount of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere during the growth of biomass and bound over the lifetime of the material. In addition to renewable electricity and low-emission steam, the biogenic uptake enables the product’s CO2 footprint to be reduced to net zero.

**PCF = The calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for conventional products follows the requirements and guidelines according to ISO 14067:2018. TÜV Rheinland has determined in a method review that the PCF (SCOTT) methodology developed and used by BASF SE is scientifically sound, in line with ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability PCF guideline and reflects the state of the art (ID no. 0000080389: BASF SE - Certipedia).

***Common industry benchmarks = relevant PCF values from critically reviewed LCA studies such as Plastics Europe

****Scope 3.1 = Emissions from purchased goods and services

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Industrial scale meets verified governance: RE&UP is now B Corp™ certified

RE&UP, the circular-tech transforming global textile waste into high-volume Next-Gen materials, has officially become a Certified B Corporation™. The milestone establishes the industrial recycler among a select group of manufacturing infrastructure providers verified as meeting B Lab Standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

ISKO brings conscious color, texture, and tactile evolution to Bluezone Munich

At Bluezone ISKO is debuting its FW 27–28 Collection, structured around a trio of core sensory pillars: color, texture, and touch. This season, the textile leader showcases a creative vision where emotional connection and advanced technical innovation come together. The entire range is anchored by a dedicated commitment to eco-conscious material creation, utilizing patented processing technologies and high-quality Next-Gen materials powered by RE&UP.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.