BASF is overhauling its Ultradur engineering plastics portfolio to align with stricter European food-contact and drinking water regulations.

 

The global chemicals giant has introduced a clearer split between product lines designed for safety, compliance, and long-term supply security.

 

The company is creating a two-track system for glass-fiber-reinforced materials: established Ultradur Aqua grades for drinking water applications and newly defined Ultradur FC (Food Contact) grades for food-contact uses. 

 

The move is aimed at eliminating ambiguity for customers and ensuring materials are selected with full regulatory clarity.

 

The shift is being driven by Commission Regulation which phases in a ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food-contact plastics, coatings, and varnishes. Once the transition period ends on July 20, 2026, the rules will take full effect.

 

“The new glass-fiber-reinforced Ultradur FC grades comply with the EU requirements for materials without BPA coming into force in July 2026," the company says.

 

BASF says it has proactively reformulated affected materials and is already offering BPA-free, certified FC grades for food applications.

 

The company says the materials are designed for a wide range of food-sector uses, including components for coffee machines, cookware, food processing systems, conveyor equipment, and handling systems.

 

At the same time, BASF is keeping its Ultradur Aqua grades unchanged to preserve existing drinking water certifications. However, the company stresses that food-contact approvals will no longer overlap with Aqua materials.

 

The company says the clearer separation is intended to give processors, OEMs, and brand owners greater confidence in material selection as regulatory expectations tighten across Europe.