BASF supplies biomass-balanced tetrahydrofuran (THF) to Asahi Kasei’s ROICA unit for use in the manufacture of elastic fibers

BASF is supplying biomass-balanced tetrahydrofuran (THF) to the ROICA unit of Japanese multinational Asahi Kasei
BMB). Asahi Kasei will use BASF’s THF BMB to produce the ROICA™ brand of mass-balanced grades of premium sustainable elastane. The partnership aims to support Asahi Kasei customers in launching new sustainable clothing lines.

ROICA™ offers Mass Balanced Elastane as an option on most of its product portfolio. The brand is making its market debut with quality balanced elastane and has started talks with several apparel manufacturers.

BASF’s THF
BMB was recognized for its significantly reduced product carbon footprint compared to standard grade THF products. This is achieved by replacing a certain amount of fossil raw materials in production with renewable raw materials in an integrated setup. Asahi Kasei said that compared with existing products, the use of BASF’s THF
BMB can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 25%. In addition, by introducing its own mass balance methods and renewable energy sources into production, Asahi Kasei aims to further reduce the CO2 emissions of its products by approximately 25%, resulting in a total CO2 emission reduction of approximately 50% compared to Asahi Kasei’s existing products. Without major investments or product formulation changes, BASF’s THF
BMB embedded solutions ensure the same quality and performance as standard products.

Choon Nga, Head of Asia Pacific for BASF’s Intermediates Business Glycols and Derivatives Division
Phua said: “We are very excited about the progress we have made in our sustainability collaboration with Asahi Kasei. We see a growing trend in the global apparel market to adopt more sustainable raw materials.
As a pioneer in developing biobalanced approaches, we will support customers in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions about more sustainable products, thereby shaping a more sustainable textile value chain. ”

Takehiro, Senior Executive Manager of Asahi Kasei Life Innovation Business ROIICA Department
“As one of the global leaders in the development and manufacturing of innovative materials, we see this as another step forward in our efforts to bring together the business pillars of ingenuity and sustainability,” said Kamiyama.

THF is a colorless, water-miscible liquid with an ether-like odor. THF is used to produce polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®), which is a raw material for the production of highly elastic spandex and elastic fibers. In addition, THF is used as an organic solvent with moderate polarity for organic substances and as a reaction medium or starting material for various syntheses.