BASF will start offering state-of-the-art polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) 1800 production technology licenses to clients and partners. BASF is one of the leaders in the technology development of PolyTHF, with three PolyTHF production assets globally: Caojing, China; Ludwigshafen, Germany; and Geismar, the United States.

Franky Ruslim, Vice President of Global Technology, Intermediates BASF, said, “In today’s highly competitive world, innovation is no longer an option but a necessity. By licensing our proprietary PolyTHF 1800 technology, we aim to drive new growth in industries such as textiles, reshape collaboration with partners, and unlock value for both our clients and BASF.”

Abhisek Chakrabarti, Director of Strategy, Projects and Licensing, Intermediates Asia Pacific, BASF, said, “Licensing our established technologies presents an attractive value proposition to our clients and partners in the market. It gives them access to innovation, lowers research and development costs, and accelerates time‑to‑market, enabling quick wins.”

PolyTHF is an essential starting material for elastic spandex and elastane fibers, used in a wide range of textiles, including swimwear, sportswear, underwear, shirts and stretch jeans. The elastic fibers ensure wearing comfort in the long run, and they are resistant to moisture and microbes.