BASF : Life Cycle Assessment demonstrates BASF’s Synthetic Leather Solution Haptex® has significant environmental benefits

• Life Cycle Assessment conducted by leading quality assurance provider Intertek

Shanghai, China - September 21, 2021 - A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of BASF's innovative synthetic leather solution Haptex^® demonstrates the significant environmental benefits compared to other conventional synthetic leather solutions. The LCA was conducted by Intertek - a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.

"By commissioning an LCA at such an early stage, we are enabling life cycle considerations to be factored in the manufacturing process. This supports OEMs and their customers such as footwear, automotive, and furniture brands in determining the right material - such as Haptex, which demonstrated significant environmental benefits - for their next innovation," said Yunlong Ma, General Manager, Green Initiatives, Intertek.

The LCA study is based on a total value chain analysis of Haptex from its chemical production to the finished leather goods. The performance on greenhouse effect, cumulative energy demand, and water consumption figures were also calculated and measured.

The LCA study shows that Haptex outperformed synthetic leathers from solvent-based and waterborne-based synthetic leather processes, in terms of carbon emissions. For instance, Haptex was proven to produce 52% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional synthetic leather, with more than a 20% reduction in energy consumption when using 1KG of chemicals for synthetic leather production. This is predominantly due to eliminating the wet line from the production processes, which reduces 30% of water usage compared to usual solvent-based polyurethane production methods.

The results proved that Haptex is a more sustainable alternative for products made with synthetic leather, such as automotive seatings, furniture, and footwear and fashion accessories like bags and caps.

Haptex, an innovative polyurethane solution for synthetic leather production, possesses high peel strength, anti-yellowing, and high abrasion performance properties. Haptex also does not use any organotin catalysts or plasticizer.

In collaboration with Warren Synthetic Leather (Suzhou) Co., Ltd and Suzhou Greentech Co., Ltd, the product has been further optimized to increase its performance, yet meets stringent VOC standards.

"The report comes at a time when pressure mounts on brands and OEMs to make stronger efforts towards sustainability by choosing alternative and animal-free leather for their products. Therefore, we must provide concrete information on environmental emissions and how we are reducing the CO2 footprint to our customers. With this study, Haptex has proven that it is more sustainable compared to other conventional synthetic leather solutions, and at the same time can fulfill the different conventional requirements from OEMs and brands to produce products that are durable, stylish and eco-conscious," said Minli Zhao, Vice President, Consumer Industry, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

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About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

About BASF's Performance Materials division

BASF's Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials' know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors - transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods - the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2020, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €5.63 bn. More information online: www.plastics.basf.com.

About BASF

About BASF At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 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 is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

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