BASF develops electrospun TPU membrane with Niber

BASF has collaborated with electrospinning specialist Niber Technologies to develop a new breathable membrane for technical textiles based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The companies plan to showcase the technology in April at Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, where it will be demonstrated in an outdoor jacket incorporating a newly developed Freeflex E 130 TPU-based electrospun nanomembrane.
The membrane is produced by electrospinning TPU into ultrafine fibers with diameters of roughly 100 to 600 nanometers, forming a highly porous structure with a high surface-to-volume ratio. This morphology enables the material to deliver breathability and moisture management in textile applications.

According to BASF and Niber, the resulting membrane combines lightweight construction, softness, and high moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR), making it suitable for performance apparel such as outdoor jackets. 

The companies also highlighted the material’s environmental profile. The TPU-based membrane is designed without the intentional use of PFAS, positioning it as a potential alternative to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes commonly used in waterproof-breathable textiles. 

In addition to the electrospun membrane, BASF will present melt-spun textile innovations based on Freeflex TPU at Chinaplas. One example is polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sportswear fabrics containing about 15% melt-spun TPU fibers, designed to enhance elasticity, durability, and wearing comfort in activewear. The TPU fibers are reported to comply with REACH requirements and hold OEKO-Tex Eco Passport certification, meeting safety and chemical transparency standards for textile applications. 

The collaboration reflects growing interest in TPU-based materials for high-performance textiles, particularly as apparel brands seek alternatives to fluorinated membrane technologies while maintaining breathability and durability in technical fabrics.

“With the addition of Bluesign certification across Freeflex portfolio, BASF aims to drive sustainable transformation together with customers in apparel and textiles industries seeking high performance, compliant and environmentally conscious material solutions,” said Rohit Roop Ghosh, vice president, business management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “The initiative reinforces BASF’s commitment to cleaner materials, responsible production, and performance-driven textile innovation.”

Photo: Outdoor jacket by Niber Technologies made with newly developed Freeflex E 130 TPU based electrospun nano membrane. (© BASF)

BASF