BASF introduces a new Ultramid Deep Gloss grade, a specialty polyamide optimized for highly glossy automotive interior parts, and applied it for the first time to the garnish of Toyota’s new Prius.

The mold-in-color technology used to produce the new grade is more sustainable, as it improves the production efficiency of automotive parts since the solvent painting process is eliminated. Instead, pre-colored plastic resins are converted into molded parts directly and into the chosen color and finish.

The high melt flowability of the new grade also improves its sustainability value proposition. The innovative material solution flows more quickly and easily through a manufacturing process. This translates to faster production times, as well as lower energy usage and costs.

BASF and Toyota launch automotive interior trims made with Ultramid Deep Gloss grade.

While being sustainable and possessing a high melt flowability, the optimized grade maintains an excellent quality surface finish and chemical, scratch, UV, and abrasion resistance. It possesses chemical resistance, especially to high concentrations of ethanol, without compromising sterilization requirements.

The high melt flowability of the new grade also enables the creation of more intricate and detailed designs – which enhances the aesthetics and visual quality of the automotive interior.

“We are excited to bring value to our customers with the new grade Ultramid Deep Gloss that improves production and cost efficiency in car interior components. This would not have been possible without the close collaboration between Toyota, Tokai Rika, and BASF since 2018 when we first launched Ultramid Deep Gloss,” said Desmond Long, Vice President, Business Management Transportation, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.