27. Feb 2026
BASF launches biomass-balanced Autofroth systems for low-pressure PU foam
BASF in North America has introduced biomass balance (BMB) grades of its Autofroth polyurethane systems, targeting the low-pressure rigid foam market with drop-in solutions designed to reduce product carbon footprint without requiring reformulation.
The new mass-balanced systems are certified under the REDcert2 sustainability scheme, which verifies the use of sustainably sourced biomass as a raw material in the chemical industry. Certification confirms that renewable feedstock has been fed into the production system in the required quantities and correctly attributed to specific sales products through audited mass-balance accounting. Many BASF sites hold REDcert2 certification, including the company’s recently certified facility in Clemson, South Carolina.
Under BASF’s biomass balance approach, fossil raw materials normally required in production are replaced with renewable feedstocks along the company’s integrated manufacturing chain. Through a certified mass-balance method, the corresponding share of renewable material is allocated to the finished product. While the renewable feedstock is not physically traceable within the final polyurethane system, the method reduces fossil resource use and lowers associated CO₂ emissions.
“Expanding our portfolio to include BMB products supports our customers in advancing their sustainability goals,” said Mary Wiles, head of business management for Autofroth at BASF Performance Materials. “Customers can quickly scale-up these new solutions without any reformulation or process changes.”
According to BASF, the biomass-balanced Autofroth systems retain the same specifications and processing characteristics as their fossil-based equivalents. This allows manufacturers to adopt the materials without operational disruption. The systems are dispensed under low pressure using BASF equipment and are positioned as a cost-effective alternative to conventional high-pressure polyurethane foam technologies.
The products are intended for rigid foam formulations used in appliance, construction and marine applications. BASF states that product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations for the systems follow ISO 14067:2018 requirements and guidance for greenhouse gas quantification.
Photo © BASF
BASF Autofroth