BASF&Shanhu to develop low emission PU system products

German materials supplier BASF and automotive parts manufacturer Liyang Shanhu Industry Auto Trim Material Co., have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to develop lightweight and low-emission polyurethane (PU) system product applications.

“There is an increasing demand in China for composite products that make automotive parts lighter for fuel efficiency, and with lower emissions and odour for better interior car air quality. Together with Shanhu Industry, we will meet this market need,” said Desmond Long, Vice President, Business Management Transportation, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

Under the agreement, BASF will provide material and technical expertise in the development of innovative product applications by Shanhu Industry.

“We have had great success with BASF in developing the paper honeycomb trunk floor business in the last decade. We are delighted to continue working with BASF, to explore new PU system product applications for the automotive industry. These include new reinforced polyurethane composites, sound absorbing and low volatile organic compounds (VOC), low odour ceiling polyurethane foam, sound absorbing lightweight foam, paper honeycomb composites, and new skin materials,” said Li Tiansheng, Chairman, Shanhu Industry.

As a leading producer of automotive parts, Shanhu Industry has been partnering with BASF since 2008 on the development of PU materials for the automotive industry. As part of the cooperation agreement, the two parties will also jointly promote the use of PU systems in automotive product applications.