Into the dark: Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced, the world’s first dark melamine resin foam for stylish sound absorption

• New Basotect^® grade combines the proven performance of BASF’s Basotect^® B EcoBalanced with a modern dark color
• For sophisticated acoustic applications in stylish interiors
• Easy handling and installation: dark material is less susceptible to visible dirt
• Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced at Foam Expo, BASF booth 726, Messe Stuttgart, Germany, November 11 to 13, 2025

BASF is expanding its Basotect^® portfolio with Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced, the first dark version of its established melamine resin foam. The industry-first combines the excellent acoustic and safety properties of Basotect^® B EcoBalanced with a homogeneous dark color - enabling elegant and visually striking acoustic concepts that complement contemporary color trends. Designed for sound absorption applications in building and construction (B&C), Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced enables customers to differentiate their sound absorption products by combining well-being and safety with design freedom and a reduced CO₂ footprint. The dark melamine resin foam is part of the Basotect^® EcoBalanced product family featuring an increased use of renewable feedstock via biomass balance approach and a lower Product Carbon Footprint (PCF).

The new dark Basotect^® grade enhances the visual appeal of acoustic panels, wall and ceiling absorbers, suspended baffles, HVAC components, and air cleaners but also simplifies installation: the dark material is less susceptible to visible dirt and eliminates the need for additional coverage or dyeing, when using dark cover textiles. This saves time and money in project execution. The dark foam retains all the high-performance features of Basotect^® B EcoBalanced, including excellent sound absorption, low weight, high flexibility, outstanding flame resistance without additional flame retardants, constant physical properties over a wide temperature range, and good thermal insulation. Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced is a drop-in solution for manufacturers: it requires no extra investment into new machinery or the re-qualification of individual applications.

“Developing a dark melamine resin foam of consistent, high quality is a significant technical achievement”, says Tarek Abuzarour, head of global business management Basotect^® at BASF. “For many years, customers have been waiting for such an innovation to become available on the market. Thanks to BASF’s unique foam expertise and decades of experience in high-performance melamine resin foam, we have succeeded in making Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced a reality. This new material proves our commitment to innovation and to the evolving needs of customers, designers and architects alike.” With Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced, designers can realize acoustic solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability - setting new benchmarks for modern interiors.

As part of the EcoBalanced product family, Basotect^® Dark EcoBalanced supports sustainable design with a significantly reduced PCF compared to standard Basotect^® grades ⁽¹⁾. It is produced using 100% green electricity; its fossil raw materials are replaced with renewable feedstock from biowaste at the beginning of the value chain, attributed via a mass balance approach ⁽²⁾.

More information: www.basotect.basf.com

 

^{(1)BASF’s product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations for conventional products follow the requirements and guidance given by ISO 14067:2018. A TÜV Rheinland methodology review has certified that the SCOTT PCF methodology developedand used by BASF SE is based on scientific evidence, meets ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability PCFpolicy, and reflects the state of the art (ID no. 0000080389: BASF SE – Certipedia). TÜV Rheinland also confirms that thebiomass balance (BMB) PCF calculation method and the associated PCF reduction for BMB-certified products follow theconventional LCA method in accordance with ISO 14067 and the Together for Sustainability (TfS) policy.}

^{(2)REDcert2 and ISCC PLUS are sustainability certification schemes for the use of sustainable biomass as raw material in the chemical industry. A certification according to these certification schemes confirms that the biomass used is sustainable and has been fed into the production system in the required amount. It also confirms that the sustainable biomass has been correctly attributed to the corresponding sales products. The certifications are awarded on the basis of on-site audits conducted by independent auditors.}

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division leads the transformation of the plastics industry by merging sustainability with a competitive edge. Our broad material competencies and product portfolio, backed by deep industry understanding, make us the ideal one-stop-shop. With dedicated material-focused teams and strong R&D power, we deliver industry-leading technologies and expertise to our customers worldwide. Our global network ensures a competitive advantage through superior innovations, regional proximity, and tailor-made solutions that meet local market demands. We are committed to enhancing performance and efficiency across sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. With BASF, our partners embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2024, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.8 billion. Join #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn https://on.basf.com/PM_LinkedIn and in our newsletter https://on.basf.com/PM_Newsletter.

Further information at https://www.performance-materials.basf.com.

 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. 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, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. 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.

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