German chemical major BASF has launched high-performance Ultramid (polyamide), which is derived from renewable raw materials. BASF uses an innovative approach that replaces up to 100% of the fossil resources used at the beginning of the integrated production process with certified biomass. The share of renewable raw materials in the sales product is then indicated in the respective quantity. A third-party certification confirms to customers that BASF has used the required quantities of renewable raw materials which the customer has ordered in the value chain.

The resulting Ultramid, which is produced according to the so called mass balance approach, is identical in terms of formulation and quality but associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions and saving of fossil resources. Also, existing plants and technologies along the value chain can continue to be used without changes.

“Consumer demand for products made of renewable raw materials continues to rise. This offering opens excellent possibilities for packaging film manufacturers to market their products accordingly,” said Joachim Queisser, Senior Vice President of the Polyamides and Precursors Europe Regional Business Unit.

With more than 60 years of experience, BASF is the leading supplier of high quality polyamide and polyamide intermediates for the engineering plastics, film, fibre and monofilament industry. The line of products include Ultramid B (polyamide 6), Ultramid C (polyamide 6/6.6 copolymer), Ultramid A (polyamide 6.6) and Ultramid S Balance (Polyamid 6.10).