Wacoal and BASF expand ‘Melooop’ technology into automotive interior applications with Elastollan^® TPU

• Demonstrates 3D fiber-based manufacturing for automotive components through an armrest concept model
• Highlights mono-material design and adhesive-free structure enabled by Wacoal’s ‘Melooop’ technology

Singapore – June 17, 2026 — Building on their successful collaboration in bra cup innovation, Wacoal and BASF are extending their co-creation into automotive interior applications with an armrest concept model that highlights the potential of advanced 3D fiber-based manufacturing and BASF’s material solutions for lightweight, comfort-focused interior components with enhanced design freedom.

“At Wacoal, we are committed to combining high-quality materials, creativity and technical innovation to develop products that support people to live their daily lives in comfort and with confidence. Together with BASF, we are excited to extend the potential of our ‘Melooop’ technology beyond apparel into automotive interior applications,” said Tsuyoshi Kumura, Corporate Officer, Head of Melooop Project Office, New Business Development Office and New Business Development Division.

Melooop is a proprietary three-dimensional fiber molding technology developed by Wacoal. Using a melt-blown nonwoven process, it forms and layers fibers simultaneously, enabling complex 3D structures to be created in a single step without adhesives or multi-layer assembly. This integrated approach reduces manufacturing steps, simplifies production, and minimizes material usage and waste, supporting lower environmental impact. It also enables mono-material design for improved recyclability. In addition, Melooop allows designers to adjust thickness and material properties early in development, helping to optimize the balance between weight, performance, and durability for automotive applications.

Elastollan^® TPU enables the Melooop process by combining thermoplastic processability with elastomeric performance, allowing the formation of 3D-fiber structures that deliver both flexibility and structural integrity while supporting the mono-material designs that can simplify product design and manufacturing.

For occupant-contact surfaces such as armrests, this approach combines elastic recovery under repeated loading – ensuring long-term dimensional stability – with soft-touch performance and a robust processing window for fiber formation and bonding.

“Wacoal’s innovation of its proprietary technology into new application areas strongly aligns with the forward-looking, co-creation approach we value at BASF,” said Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “With our expertise in material innovation and extensive experiences in automotive applications, we are pleased to partner Wacoal in exploring new concepts and bringing innovation into new industries.”

The armrest concept model, featuring Wacoal’s mono-material “Melooop” technology, will be presented at the BASF booth (booth number 309) at Automotive Engineering Expo Nagoya from June 17-19, 2026.

About Wacoal Group

Wacoal is an apparel manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1946. The company specializes in innerwear and leverages its strengths in product development based on human body research, consistently pursuing high quality and comfort over many years. In recent years, Wacoal has expanded into new areas, including the development of conditioning wear and the provision of body data services using 3D measurement technology. Through these initiatives, the company offers products and services tailored to the individual body shapes and lifestyles of consumers, and operates its business both in Japan and internationally.

For more information about the Wacoal Group, please visit: https://www.wacoalholdings.jp/

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.

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.