BASF collaborates with Wacoal for thinner, durable and comfortable bra cup solution with Elastollan^® TPU

• Elastollan^® TPU-based non-woven fiber featured in selected bra cup applications for sports and activewear
• Processed with Wacoal’s mono-material ‘Melooop’ technology, enabling more efficient recycling and reducing material waste

Singapore – June 4, 2026 – BASF has partnered with Wacoal, the leading lingerie brand company headquartered in Japan, to co-develop selected bra cup applications for sports and activewear using Elastollan^® TPU-based non-woven fiber.

This material innovation aligns with Wacoal’s broader commitment to advancing bra cup technology, as reflected in its independently developed “Melooop” technology, for creating three-dimensional shapes using the melt blown method with mono-material fiber, improving recyclability and reducing waste.

“At Wacoal, we design sports bras to support comfort in motion and confidence throughout the day. By incorporating Elastollan TPU, we are able to enhance how the bra cup responds to movement, while maintaining a lightweight and adaptable fit,” said Keisuke Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and CEO, Wacoal.

By selecting Elastollan TPU, Wacoal enhances key performance attributes in bra cup design, addressing common challenges associated with conventional materials such as deformation after repeated washing, limited breathability and reduced durability over time. The material’s lightweight flexibility, shape retention and mechanical strength also help improve comfort during movement and support longer product life.

Additionally, Elastollan TPU also offers greater design flexibility, enabling thinner, lower-profile constructions without compromising structural integrity. This allows for more differentiated product designs that align with evolving consumer expectations.

“As sports activities increasingly influence everyday fashion, advanced material solutions such as Elastollan TPU - which is engineered to deliver consistent mechanical performance under dynamic conditions - can elevate apparel design, comfort and performance of activewear,” said Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

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 108,000 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.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division 

BASF’s Performance Materials division drives the transformation of the plastics industry by uniting sustainability with high performance. Our materials expertise, deep industry know-how, and broad product portfolio make us the preferred partner for comprehensive solutions across the plastics lifecycle. With dedicated material-focused teams, strong R&D power, and a global production network close to our customers, we deliver tailored offerings that meet regional and industry-specific needs. Our products enhance performance and efficiency in key sectors such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications. Together with our partners, we embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.4 billion.

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