BASF unveils Ultramid® H33 L, the first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability, revolutionizing artificial casings with strength and functionality.
BASF has introduced a breakthrough material to the global market with the launch of Ultramid® H33 L, the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide that combines high strength with exceptional water permeability. This innovative material represents a significant milestone for the food packaging industry, particularly in the production of artificial sausage casings, where both durability and permeability are critical.
Traditionally, sausage casings have been made using collagen or cellulose. While effective, these materials impose limitations on wall thickness, permeability, and handling flexibility. Ultramid H changes the game by offering the same structural integrity as existing materials, while enabling the production of casings with much thinner walls. This improvement not only reduces material usage but also enhances efficiency for producers.
One of Ultramid H’s standout features is its hydrophilic nature, which allows smoke aromas to pass directly through the polyamide casing into the sausage during the smoking process. After smoking, its high water permeability further enables the product to dry directly in the casing, streamlining processing steps and ensuring consistent product quality. This dual functionality—strength combined with permeability—has not previously been achievable with thermoplastic polyamides, marking Ultramid H as a pioneering solution.
Dr. Rolf Minkwitz, head of polyamide product development at BASF, emphasized the material’s novelty, explaining that Ultramid H opens entirely new fields of application for thermoplastic polyamides. He highlighted that despite its advanced capabilities, it retains the familiar processing advantages of standard polyamides, meaning customers can integrate Ultramid H into existing manufacturing processes without major modifications or additional investment.
By setting new benchmarks in polyamide technology, BASF is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and industry leadership. The company plans to showcase Ultramid H at the K Trade Fair, the world’s largest plastics exhibition, scheduled in Düsseldorf from October 8 to 15. Visitors to the BASF stand (hall 5, C21/D21) will have the opportunity to explore the product’s unique characteristics, interact with experts, and gain insights into potential applications.
To further illustrate the product’s practical benefits, BASF will host a dedicated session with its customer, PODANFOL S.A., on October 9 at 3 p.m. This discussion will focus on the first applications of Ultramid H in artificial sausage casings and share experiences from real-world use.
The launch of Ultramid H33 L not only strengthens BASF’s position as a global innovator in advanced materials but also sets a precedent for the future of sustainable, efficient, and functional polyamide solutions. By bridging the gap between technical performance and practical usability, this development stands as a clear example of how material science can address industry challenges and unlock new possibilities.
