CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF Launches High-Performance Electrospinning Innovation Solution

CHINAPLAS 2026: BASF and Niber Technologies Launch High-Performance Electrospinning Innovation Solution Using Freeflex® TPU

Niber Technologies uses BASF's newly developed Freeflex® E130 TPU electrospun nanofiber membrane to produce outdoor jackets.

BASF is advancing the Bluesign® certification for Freeflex® TPU to actively respond to the increasingly stringent regulations and sustainability requirements in the global apparel and textile industry.

BASF will also showcase the innovative melt spinning solution using Freeflex® TPU at CHINAPLAS 2026 International Rubber and Plastics Exhibition.

BASF is set to appear at CHINAPLAS 2026 International Rubber and Plastics Exhibition: Shanghai International Convention Center, Hall 7.2, Booth C41

At CHINAPLAS 2026, BASF will showcase an outdoor jacket developed jointly with Niber Technologies Ltd., a leading electrospinning technology company. The jacket features Freeflex® E 130, a newly developed electrospun nanofilm material based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Jaehyung Park, CEO of Niber Technologies, stated: “Through our collaboration with BASF, we have successfully developed an ultra-lightweight, soft-touch comfortable outdoor jacket. It not only delivers excellent membrane uniformity and high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), but also expands the film’s lamination application possibilities due to enhanced high-temperature lamination resistance. This TPU-based membrane layer is manufactured without the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), making it a sustainable alternative to conventional expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes.”

Freeflex® TPU can be processed through electrospinning to generate nanofibers ranging from 100nm to 600nm, forming a morphology with high specific surface area and high porosity, enabling it to achieve superior water resistance and breathability.

In addition to innovations in electrospinning, BASF will showcase at CHINAPLAS 2026 International Rubber & Plastics Exhibition a sportswear fabric made of polypropylene (PP) and low-temperature polyester (PET) containing 15% Freeflex® melt-spun spandex. This fabric offers exceptional wearing comfort, quick-drying performance, and enhanced elasticity and durability for sportswear. Freeflex® melt-spun spandex complies with REACH regulations and is certified by the Oeko-Tex® Eco Passport, meeting stringent requirements for safety and chemical transparency in textile applications.

Freeflex®’s electrospun nanofiber membrane technology and the versatility of melt-spun fibers continuously support manufacturers in designing and developing next-generation high-performance apparel. Additionally, BASF is advancing the Bluesign® certification process for Freeflex®, with completion expected in 2026 to meet increasingly stringent regulatory and sustainability requirements of the global apparel and textile industry.

Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President and Head of TPU Business Management for Performance Materials in Asia Pacific at BASF, said: "As Bluesign® certification gradually covers the entire Freeflex® product range, BASF aims to work with customers in the apparel and textile industries who are looking for high-performance, compliant, and environmentally friendly material solutions, to jointly drive sustainable transformation. This initiative further strengthens BASF's commitment to clean materials, responsible production, and performance-driven textile innovation."

About BASF Performance Materials Division

BASF’s Performance Materials division combines sustainability with material performance to drive the transformation of the plastics industry. With deep materials expertise, extensive industry experience, and a broad product portfolio, we are the preferred partner for integrated solutions across the plastics lifecycle.

We have a dedicated team focused on materials innovation, strong R&D capabilities, and a globally deployed, customer-centric production network, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of different regions and industries. Our products are applied in key sectors such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications, significantly enhancing performance and efficiency. Together with our partners, we are advancing on our #PathToCarbonNeutrality, accelerating the transition toward a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.4 billion.

About BASF

BASF supports sustainable development through chemical innovation. Our goal is: to be the preferred chemical company for customers aiming to achieve a green transformation. While pursuing economic benefits, we actively practice environmental protection and take on social responsibilities. The BASF Group, with approximately 108,000 employees worldwide, is dedicated to helping customers in various countries and industries achieve greater success. Our core businesses cover chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, nutrition and care, and we have standalone businesses in surface technologies and agricultural solutions. In 2025, BASF's sales are expected to be around 60 billion euros. BASF shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States.