From Scrap Tires to Clearcoat: BASF Coatings announces new ChemCycling products at Automechanika Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany ⁠— Day two of Automechanika Germany brought even further product innovations to the global collision repair industry with the launch of BASF’s next generation of clearcoats, manufactured from recycled tires to emphasize the brand’s commitment to sustainability. 

The new product lines, which are projected to be available in Canada in early 2025, employ the company’s ChemCycling technology. They are marketed under BASF’s premium brands, Glasurit and R-M. By leveraging BASF’s ChemCycling technology, recycled feedstock derived from waste tires is used to create certified Ccycled® products, diverting them from landfills or incineration. 

The recycled feedstock is attributed to the certified Ccycled clear coats through a mass balance approach: BASF Coatings’ Glasurit AraClass A-C-24 Eco Balance and R-M Race Finish-R eSense clearcoats are the first automotive refinish products that use this technology, according to Jane Niemi, head of global marketing for BASF Automotive Refinish who was on-site. 

BASF claims these new clearcoats’ drying speeds allow for fast processing⁠—the company says the coating dries in 20 minutes at 40 degrees Celsius. 

“By reducing drying time, energy consumption is significantly lowered, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This feature is particularly advantageous for electric vehicles as it minimizes their exposure to excessive heat,” according to the product announcement. 

“At BASF Coatings, we’re always pushing what’s possible, empowering bodyshops to lead the change with sustainable technologies that are unique to the market,” said Chris Titmarsh, senior vice president of global automotive refinish coatings for BASF. “With our exclusive ChemCycling, our vision is to support a circular economy by reducing the use of fossil raw materials, minimizing waste and cutting CO2 emissions in the value chain.”

Click here to learn more about BASF’s new products, or here to learn about its ChemCycling technology.