BASF Debuts Recycled PET Compounds for Automotive Parts
The new Ultradur compounds allow manufacturers to integrate recycled plastic into structural automotive components.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Materials Science
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BASF has announced new Ultradur PBT compounds containing up to 30% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sourced from packaging waste. The material is intended for structural automotive parts and is available as a replacement for virgin raw materials.
Why it matters
These compounds enable automotive manufacturers to incorporate recycled content into structural components, assisting with regulatory compliance and the reduction of Scope 3.1 emissions.
The Ultradur compounds contain up to 30% recycled PET derived from packaging waste streams unsuitable for bottle-to-bottle recycling. BASF claims these grades maintain mechanical properties comparable to existing compounds manufactured solely from virgin materials.
The players
BASF
A global chemical company that produces engineering plastics and performance materials for the automotive and industrial sectors.
The details
The material utilizes recycled PET, a polyester resin primarily sourced from plastic packaging, integrated into a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) matrix. PBT is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic known for high stiffness and dimensional stability. To meet structural requirements, these compounds are reinforced with varying levels of glass fibre, which improves mechanical strength and thermal resistance for automotive parts like housings and connectors.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: BASF announces the new Ultradur product line.
The Tech Race
This development marks a shift in automotive materials science as manufacturers move toward circular supply chains to meet tightening recycled content mandates. It follows the regulatory pattern set by the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive to increase the use of recycled materials in vehicle production.
Automotive manufacturers can now integrate these compounds into production workflows for brackets, housings, and structural connectors. The material is designed as a drop-in replacement for existing virgin PBT grades, allowing for implementation without requiring major hardware retooling.
The takeaway
BASF's move signals a broader transition toward using secondary raw materials in high-stress industrial applications. Stakeholders should track future lifecycle assessment disclosures to verify the actual emissions reductions achieved through this recycled PET integration.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in polymer research and industrial recycling technology in our Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Plasteurope.
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