BASF Launches New Recycled Plastic Grades for Auto Parts
The new 30% recycled compounds provide a path for manufacturers to reduce Scope 3.1 emissions in structural automotive components.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Materials Science
Live Poll
Should automotive manufacturers prioritize recycled materials even if they increase production costs or complexity?
BASF has announced a new line of Ultradur RC1 engineering plastic grades, which incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled content. These glass fiber-reinforced PBT/PET compounds are designed specifically for use in structural automotive components.
Why it matters
This development allows automotive manufacturers to integrate more recycled materials into their production lines while meeting rigorous technical specifications. It also addresses the industry shift toward reducing Scope 3.1 carbon emissions.
The new Ultradur RC1 grades consist of glass fiber-reinforced PBT/PET compounds containing up to 30% post-consumer recycled content. The material utilizes PET sourced from packaging waste streams that do not conflict with bottle-to-bottle recycling loops.
The players
BASF
A global chemical company that produces a wide range of performance materials, engineering plastics, and industrial chemical intermediates for the automotive and construction sectors.
The details
The material architecture relies on blending polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into a composite structure reinforced with glass fibers to achieve structural integrity. By sourcing the PET component from post-consumer waste that typically does not enter food-grade recycling, BASF creates a circular supply chain for automotive parts. These compounds are engineered for high-stress applications including housing units, brackets, and electrical connectors.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: BASF announced the expansion of the Ultradur portfolio.
The Tech Race
BASF is competing to secure a dominant position in the transition toward sustainable automotive supply chains. The move follows a broader industry trend of integrating circular material science to hit Scope 3.1 emissions targets without sacrificing structural performance.
Automotive manufacturers can immediately evaluate these grades for use in new structural component designs. The availability and pricing for specific automotive OEMs depend on direct supply agreements with the manufacturer.
The takeaway
The addition of these grades provides a new path for manufacturers to lower the carbon footprint of structural vehicle components. Watch for technical data sheets showing how these 30% recycled blends compare to established virgin PBT/PET grades in long-term durability testing.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Materials Science.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Interplas Insights.
Live Poll
Should automotive manufacturers prioritize recycled materials even if they increase production costs or complexity?
