CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF Expands Ultrason® P (PPSU) Portfolio

CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF Expands Ultrason® P (PPSU) Product Portfolio to Help Food Contact Articles Meet the Recertification under EU Regulation 2024/3190

Six PPSU grades are now available for sample requests, and technical data sheets, material certifications, and food contact compliance documents are provided simultaneously.

BASF helps complete the material replacement for high-temperature household and food service products from polyethersulfone (PESU), polysulfone (PSU), and polyetherimide (PEI) in time.

BASF will make an impressive appearance at CHINAPLAS 2026 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. We look forward to your visit at Booth No. 7.2C41 (National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai).

BASF has launched a range of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) grades free from bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol A (BPA) for high-temperature food contact applications. This Ultrason® P portfolio fully complies with European Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which prohibits the use of bisphenols in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. After the specified transitional period, such products may no longer be imported into or manufactured within the EU. Six Ultrason® P grades are now accompanied by technical data sheets, necessary material compliance declarations, and food contact compliance documentation. Manufacturers of reusable water bottles, food service ware, coffee machine components, or high-temperature cookware can leverage these documents to promptly initiate re-certification of their current materials (such as PESU, which is similarly affected by the ban) for food contact applications. With this diversified PPSU portfolio, BASF supports customers in smoothly transitioning to compliant product manufacturing while delivering food contact components with excellent processability, extensive design freedom, and long-term performance.

This EU regulation entered into force officially in January 2025. It prohibits the use of hazardous bisphenol substances and their derivatives in food contact materials and articles, establishing transition periods by specific product categories, with the latest deadline set for January 2028. PPSU is not subject to this restriction and can serve as a reliable alternative material for companies adjusting their food contact applications.

Six customized PPSU grades have obtained food contact certification and are now officially launched.

BASF has launched six tailor-made Ultrason® P grades for all manufacturers currently using polyethersulfone (PESU), polysulfone (PSU), or polyetherimide (PEI) in food contact applications, to meet a wide range of needs: including grades with easy demolding properties, and support for a variety of color options, from opaque to translucent, whether pre-colored or with masterbatches. All grades continue to feature the consistent high-performance characteristics of BASF's Ultrason® P series: temperature-independent stable mechanical properties, high resistance to a variety of detergents, oils, fats, and superheated steam, excellent toughness, and good dimensional stability. Ultrason® P products have long been widely used in household items, catering utensils, baby bottles, and microwave containers, among other areas.

BASF Fully Supports Enterprises in Upgrading to PPSU Material

Georg Graessel, Global Business Management Head of BASF Ultrason®, stated: “Our Ultrason® P is produced without using any bisphenol substances as defined by EU Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. We have adjusted and expanded our product portfolio to give manufacturers ample time to test and re-certify their food-contact products, ensuring a smooth transition before the EU ban takes full effect. We will provide technical data sheets and the necessary certification documents to support the certification process, and existing PESU injection molding tools can continue to be used.” EU Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 applies only to materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and does not cover applications involving contact with drinking water. In food filtration membrane modules, polysulfone materials fall under an exemption and may continue to be used.

Ultrason® is the trademark for the polyethersulfone (Ultrason® E), polysulfone (Ultrason® S), and polyphenylsulfone (Ultrason® P) product lines. This high-performance thermoplastic polymer can be used to manufacture water filtration membranes, stylish, durable, and safe household and food service articles, as well as lightweight components for the automotive and aerospace industries.

Due to its outstanding performance characteristics, Ultrason® brand products can replace thermosetting plastics, metals, and ceramics in many applications.

Regarding BASF's Performance Materials division

BASF Specialty Materials combines sustainability with material performance to drive the transformation of the plastics industry. With deep material expertise, extensive industry experience, and a broad product portfolio, we are the preferred partner for comprehensive solutions throughout the plastic lifecycle.

About BASF

BASF supports sustainable development through chemical innovation. Our goal is to become the preferred chemical company for customers to achieve a green transition. While pursuing economic benefits, we are committed to environmental protection and actively assume social responsibility. BASF Group has approximately 108,000 employees worldwide, and we are dedicated to helping customers from all countries and industries achieve greater success. Our core businesses cover chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, and nutrition & care; independent businesses are integrated into the business areas of surface treatment technologies and agricultural solutions. In 2025, BASF's sales were approximately 60 billion euros. BASF shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and in the United States as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY).