BASF Engineering Plastics is restructuring its Ultradur portfolio for drinking water and food-contact applications. The company will offer two separate product lines for glass-fiber-reinforced materials: Aqua grades for drinking water applications and food-contact grades for food-contact applications. This separation is intended to clarify material selection for these two use cases.
In response to updated regulatory requirements, food-contact grades will be designated as such and will carry the corresponding certifications for food-contact applications.
The portfolio change is driven by Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. Following the end of the transition period on July 20, 2026, the regulation bans the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols classified as hazardous in plastics, coatings and varnishes intended for food contact. BASF has updated its Ultradur food-contact portfolio in response to these regulatory changes.
Handling equipment in contact with food is identified by BASF as an application for Ultradur FC.
Source: Herraez/Adobe via BASF
Ultradur FC Grades for Food-Contact Applications
Certain glass-fiber-reinforced Ultradur food-contact grades were affected by the new EU regulation and required formulation adjustments. BASF says it has used this as an opportunity to update its food-contact portfolio. The following Ultradur grades without BPA and with valid food-contact certifications are currently available, among others:
- Ultradur B4300G6 FC UN
- Ultradur B4300G6 FC BK15136
- Ultradur B4300G4 FC R03 UN
- Ultradur B4300G4 FC BK15136
These materials are used in applications across the food sector, including components for coffee machines and cookware, as well as parts for industrial food processing, conveyor systems, and handling equipment for eggs and other food products.
Ultradur Aqua Grades Remain Available as a Separate Portfolio
To maintain existing drinking water certifications at the customer level, the Aqua grades will remain available with unchanged formulations and will continue to be marketed under their current product names. These products are designed for water and drinking water applications. Despite similar naming conventions, glass-fiber-reinforced Aqua grades will no longer carry food-contact certifications going forward.
By separating Aqua and food-contact materials within the Ultradur family, BASF aims to help processors, OEMs and brand owners identify which engineering plastics grades are approved for drinking water and which are suitable for food contact, so they can align material choices with upcoming regulatory requirements.