BASF, Asahi Kasei join forces to create sustainable stretch fibers

BASF is providing a special type of tetrahydrofuran (THF BMB) to Asahi Kasei Corporation’s ROICA Division, a prominent Japanese company. Asahi Kasei will use this THF BMB from BASF to create high-quality, sustainable stretch fibers under the ROICA™ brand. This partnership aims to assist in the launch of a new collection of sustainable clothing by Asahi Kasei for its customers.

The ROICA™ brand, part of Asahi Kasei, is introducing stretch fibers with a focus on sustainability. They offer a mass balance (MB) stretch fiber as an option for a wide range of products in their portfolio. This new addition to their product line has already generated interest from various apparel manufacturers.

BASF’s THF BMB stands out for its positive impact on the environment. It significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the final product when compared to the standard THF products. This reduction is achieved by using renewable feedstock instead of relying solely on fossil raw materials in the production process. By employing THF BMB, Asahi Kasei estimates a reduction of about 25% in CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable approach.

By incorporating BASF’s THF BMB and integrating a mass balance approach and renewable energy in production, Asahi Kasei aims to cut down CO2 emissions associated with their products by approximately 50%. This approach aligns with their vision to create a more sustainable textile value chain without requiring major investments or formulation changes, ensuring the same quality and properties as their standard products.

THF, or tetrahydrofuran, is a clear liquid that can mix with water. It is commonly used to produce a substance called polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®), a key raw material for making highly elastic spandex and elastane fibers. Additionally, THF is used as a solvent for organic substances and plays a vital role in various chemical syntheses.