BASF Develops Automotive Compounds With Recycled PET
The new Ultradur product line incorporates up to 30% recycled material sourced from packaging waste.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Materials Science
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BASF has introduced a new series of Ultradur compounds that utilize up to 30% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The material is intended for use in structural automotive components.
Why it matters
The product line helps automotive manufacturers reduce their Scope 3.1 emissions and meet increasing regulatory demands for the use of recycled content in vehicle production.
The new Ultradur grades are engineered with varying levels of glass fibre reinforcement to maintain mechanical properties consistent with virgin materials. The recycled PET is sourced from packaging waste streams unsuitable for bottle-to-bottle recycling.
The players
BASF
BASF is a global chemical company that produces a wide range of products including plastics, performance materials, and agricultural chemicals.
The details
The compounds are designed for high-performance automotive applications such as connectors, housings, and structural brackets. By utilizing waste that would otherwise bypass circular recycling loops, BASF aims to bridge the gap between sustainability and technical requirements.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The announcement regarding the new Ultradur product line was published.
The Big Picture
This development follows a pattern set by the EU's End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, which pushes manufacturers to increase the use of secondary raw materials in automotive design. It marks a shift toward integrating high-performance recycled materials into critical structural components.
This advancement could lead to more sustainable vehicle manufacturing processes as automakers seek to integrate these compounds into future car models. It potentially lowers the environmental footprint of specific interior and structural vehicle parts.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how chemical manufacturers are adapting to circular economy goals by repurposing packaging waste for high-stress industrial roles. Automotive stakeholders should monitor these material grades as alternatives to virgin polymers to stay ahead of sustainability mandates.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Materials Science.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Plasteurope.
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