BASF introduces low-VOC polyurethane catalyst Lupragen^® BisDMAPU

• Low-VOC and low-odor catalyst enabling balanced gelling and blowing reaction
• Broad application across all types of flexible foam products

Ludwigshafen, Germany, September 10, 2026 – BASF’s Intermediates division is expanding its portfolio of amine catalysts with Lupragen^® BisDMAPU, a new low-emission catalyst designed for flexible polyurethane (PU) foam applications. Lupragen BisDMAPU (chemical name: 1,3-Bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea, CAS 52338-87-1) will be available to customers globally under the Lupragen trademark.

Lupragen BisDMAPU is a balanced PU catalyst that supports both gelling and blowing reactions, ensuring reliable, high-quality foam formation and dimensional stability. With its low volatility and low odor, the catalyst can help manufacturers reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from finished foam products, making it suitable for applications that must meet low-VOC standards.

Designed primarily to produce flexible PU foams, including slabstock and molded foams used in furniture, mattresses and automotive interiors, Lupragen BisDMAPU also finds use in other applications, such as reactive hotmelt polyurethane adhesives, two‑component epoxy systems and cationic polymers.

“Lupragen BisDMAPU is an excellent addition to our range of modern, low-VOC catalysts and will support the growing demand for emission-optimized flexible foams. With its distinct reactivity profile and unique chemical properties, it is a strong
complement to Lupragen N 208, which was launched in December 2025,” says Gereon Altenhoff, Product Manager PU Catalysts, Intermediates Europe, BASF. “Building on our longstanding experience in producing urea compounds in Ludwigshafen, and supported by our backward integrated production setup, we are able to reliably supply the market with this high-quality, future-oriented solution,” adds Carolin Regenbrecht, Product Manager Specialty Amines.

BASF offers one of the broadest amine catalyst portfolios
BASF is a leading producer of amines globally, including a broad portfolio of amine catalysts for PU marketed under the Lupragen brand. PU catalysts are typically tertiary amines, which are required to facilitate the reaction of the main components, isocyanate and polyol. Depending on the choice of catalyst, the PU forming process can be controlled to balance the gelling or blowing reaction. BASF’s portfolio of amine catalysts includes several products, such as BisDMAPU, which are designed to support customers in the polyurethane industry in their efforts to reduce VOC emissions from foams.


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 95,000 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 around €60 billion in 2025. 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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