BASF has developed a new thermoplastic polyamide that combines mechanical strength with unusually high water permeability, opening fresh opportunities for the food industry.
The material, marketed as Ultramid® H33 L, allows smoked sausages to be produced in artificial casings made entirely from polyamide for the first time. Traditionally, such casings are made from collagen or cellulose.
According to BASF, the strength of the new polyamide means casings can be manufactured with thinner walls, while its hydrophilic properties allow smoke aromas to penetrate during processing. Its water permeability also enables sausages to be dried directly in the casing.
“Ultramid H opens up new fields of application for thermoplastic polyamides that were previously beyond technical capabilities and is unique among thermoplastics. It can be processed like any other polyamide, enabling our customers to incorporate Ultramid H into their production processes without making any adjustments,” said Dr. Rolf Minkwitz, responsible for polyamide product development at BASF.
The product will be introduced at the K 2025 plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf from October 8–15. BASF said it would present initial application experiences together with its customer PODANFOL S.A. on October 9.
