BASF Engineering Plastics has expanded and differentiated its Ultradur portfolio for drinking water and food-contact applications ahead of new European Union regulations restricting the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food-contact materials from July 20, 2026.
The development has indirect relevance for the packaging and food-processing sectors, particularly for manufacturers of food-handling systems, dispensing components, processing equipment, and technical plastic parts used across packaging and filling operations.
BASF announced that it will now offer two separate product lines for glass-fiber-reinforced materials: Ultradur Aqua grades for drinking water applications and dedicated Ultradur FC grades for food-contact applications. The move is intended to provide clearer material selection guidance for processors, OEMs, and brand owners working with regulated applications.
The portfolio update follows Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, published in December 2024, which bans BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in plastics, coatings, and varnishes intended for food contact after the transition period ends in July 2026.
BASF stated that several glass-fiber-reinforced Ultradur food-contact grades required formulation adjustments to comply with the regulation. The company has introduced new BPA-free grades carrying food-contact certifications, including Ultradur B4300G6 FC UN, Ultradur B4300G6 FC BK15136, Ultradur B4300G4 FC R03 UN, and Ultradur B4300G4 FC BK15136.
According to BASF, the materials are designed for applications including coffee machine components, cookware, industrial food-processing equipment, conveyor systems, and handling equipment for eggs and other food products.
The company also confirmed that existing Ultradur Aqua grades for water and drinking water applications will remain available with unchanged formulations and current product names. However, these Aqua grades will no longer carry food-contact certifications despite similarities in naming conventions.
BASF said the differentiation between Aqua and FC grades is intended to improve transparency and help customers align future material choices with evolving food-contact and drinking water regulations.