News Releases

Shanghai, China – May 19, 2026 – BASF has partnered with Hyundai Design China to develop inflatable ‘Air Hug’ seat modules made with Elastollan^® TPU for the ‘EARTH Concept’ car within the IONIQ range of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV). Unveiled at Auto China 2026, the concept vehicle underscores Hyundai Design China’s commitment to localized new energy vehicle (NEV) mobility solutions in China, supported by BASF’s materials expertise and local production at the Zhanjiang Verbund site.

BASF today announced the launch of Reduced Product Carbon Footprint (ReducedPCF) Elastollan^® Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) portfolio in Asia Pacific, enabling customers to lower the carbon footprint of their products while maintaining the proven performance of Elastollan.

Chemetall, the surface treatment global business unit of BASF Coatings, has opened its first application laboratory in the southern province of Tây Ninh (formerly Long An), near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The facility provides product testing and technical support to surface treatment customers across diverse market segments such as automotive, automotive components, general industry, and plastics recycling. 

BASF is strengthening its leadership in plastic additive solutions by expanding its production capacities for both standard and NOR HALS products. These investments support the growing global demand for high-performance plastics and ensure reliable supply of proven, future ready technologies.

BASF is strengthening its presence in China and across Asia by advancing #OurPlasticsJourney with customers and partners, focusing on performance‑led innovation and co‑creation in fast‑growing sectors such as eMobility, robotics, footwear, and advanced consumer and industrial applications. Drawing on its materials expertise, backend integration and strong local manufacturing capabilities, BASF supports customers’ green transformation while expanding into next‑generation applications that will enable new quality productive forces through high‑tech automation and green energy.