BASF Extends Ultrason® P Portfolio to Enable Compliance with EU Regulation

BASF is offering a portfolio of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) grades for high-temperature food-contact applications that are free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS). The Ultrason® P portfolio complies with EU Regulation 2024/3190, which restricts the use of bisphenols in food-contact materials and articles.

Six Ultrason® P grades are already available with data sheets, material certificates, and food-contact approvals. This allows manufacturers of products such as reusable bottles, catering tableware, coffee machine components, and high-temperature cookware to start requalifying applications currently made from materials like polyethersulfone (PESU).

The regulation, which entered into force in January 2025, sets transition periods until January 2028 depending on the product category. Since PPSU is not affected by the restriction, it offers manufacturers a reliable alternative for food-contact applications while ensuring strong processing performance and long-term durability.

Six Tailored PPSU Grades Available with Food-Contact Approvals

For manufacturers currently using polyethersulfone (PESU), polysulfone (PSU), or polyetherimide (PEI) in food-contact applications, BASF supports the transition with six tailored Ultrason® P grades designed to meet diverse requirements. These grades include options that facilitate easy mould release and offer versatile colour possibilities, ranging from opaque to translucent, whether used in compounds or with masterbatches.

The materials deliver the high-performance characteristics expected from BASF’s Ultrason® P portfolio, including temperature-independent mechanical properties, strong resistance to many detergents, oils, fats, and superheated steam, as well as superior toughness and excellent dimensional stability. Ultrason® P grades have long been the preferred choice for a range of applications such as household products, catering tableware, baby bottles, and microwaveable containers.

BASF Supports Transition to PPSU

“Bisphenols as defined in the EU regulation 2024/3190 are not used in the manufacture of our Ultrason® P”, says Georg Graessel from global business management Ultrason® at BASF. “We have adapted and extended this portfolio to give manufacturers sufficient time to test and re-qualify their food-contact products until the ban takes full effect in the EU. Technical data sheets and required certificates can be provided to support qualification processes. Existing injection molding tools for PESU can continue to be used.”

EU Regulation 2024/3190 applies specifically to food-contact materials and articles and does not cover applications involving contact with drinking water. In filtration membrane assemblies used for food applications, polysulfone remains exempt and may continue to be used.

Ultrason® is the trade name for BASF’s range of polyethersulfone (Ultrason® E), polysulfone (Ultrason® S), and polyphenylsulfone (Ultrason® P). These high-performance thermoplastics are used in applications such as water filtration membranes, durable household and catering products, and lightweight components for the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to their exceptional property profile, Ultrason® materials can often replace thermosets, metals, glass, and ceramics in a wide range of applications.

Source: BASF