--- title: "Net-Zero Backpack: VAUDE and BASF Bring Climate-Neutral Polyamide to Market" id: "9332" type: "post" slug: "net-zero-backpack-vaude-and-basf-bring-climate-neutral-polyamide-to-market" published_at: "2025-08-04T18:16:10+00:00" modified_at: "2025-07-29T18:17:27+00:00" url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/08/net-zero-backpack-vaude-and-basf-bring-climate-neutral-polyamide-to-market-009332/" markdown_url: "https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/08/net-zero-backpack-vaude-and-basf-bring-climate-neutral-polyamide-to-market-009332.md" excerpt: "VAUDE and BASF launch a net-zero polyamide backpack, showcasing how drop-in sustainable materials can support climate-neutral product design." taxonomy_category: - "Business" - "Circular Economy" - "Design" - "Industry" - "Materials" - "Polyamide" - "Results" - "Sports & Recreation" - "Sustainability" - "Trending" taxonomy_post_tag: - "BASF" - "Carbon Footprint" - "Climate-Neutral Polyamide" - "Net-Zero Backpack" - "net-zero polyamide" - "VAUDE" --- [Home](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/) » [News](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/news/) » [Trending](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/c/trending/) » [Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/c/trending/design/) » Net-Zero Backpack: VAUDE and BASF Bring Climate-Neutral Polyamide to Market # Net-Zero Backpack: VAUDE and BASF Bring Climate-Neutral Polyamide to Market Frank Reil (BASF), Marcel Schmitt (BASF), and René Bethmann (VAUDE) with the new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+. Photo courtesy of BASF SE. ### VAUDE and BASF launch a net-zero polyamide backpack, showcasing how drop-in sustainable materials can support climate-neutral product design. **You can also read:** [Design Meets Engineering: The Creation of a Superchair.](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/09/design-meets-engineering-the-creation-of-a-superchair-006640/) [VAUDE and BASF have partnered to launch a backpack made from Ultramid® ZeroPCF](https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2025/06/p-25-124) , a polyamide with net-zero carbon emissions. This new product, the *TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+*, reflects companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovative material development in technical applications. BASF supplies the key component—Ultramid® ZeroPCF—by combining renewable electricity with alternative raw materials like used cooking oil and biomethane. The company follows a certified mass balance approach under the internationally recognized ISCC+ certification system to verify sustainability claims. As a result, the material retains the performance of conventional polyamide while achieving a product carbon footprint (PCF) of zero. > “Thanks to our energy strategy and Verbund production system, we’ve reduced the carbon footprint of this polyamide to zero,” said BASF. ## Advanced Materials, Same Performance This development is notable because Ultramid® ZeroPCF offers the same mechanical, thermal, and processing properties as its fossil-based counterpart. Therefore, manufacturers can use it in existing production lines without adjusting tooling, quality controls, or product specifications. BASF announced the expansion of its Ultramid® line in 2024, adding LowPCF and ZeroPCF options to serve growing demand. Now, VAUDE becomes the first to bring this material to market through a commercially available product, underscoring real-world viability. > “With this flagship backpack, we aim to spark conversation about net-zero materials and climate-neutral product design,” said VAUDE’s René Bethmann. ## A Shift Toward Measurable Sustainability The launch reflects a broader shift in the plastics industry, where material innovation must deliver performance and measurable climate impact. Because brands now face pressure from regulations and consumers alike, they seek materials that reduce carbon without trade-offs.Zero-PCF resins are gaining traction: they allow sustainability upgrades without redesigning supply chains or altering product engineering. BASF’s roadmap includes decarbonizing every major polymer product line by 2050, aligning with its broader net-zero commitment. This isn’t just about one backpack—it’s about making climate neutrality scalable through chemistry and certified systems. ## Commercial Debut and Broader Vision The TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+ will be unveiled at the 2025 K Fair in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading plastics industry event. There, BASF will highlight it within their “Choose to reduce” campaign, aimed at clients prioritizing low-carbon and certified materials. Ultimately, this partnership between VAUDE and BASF shows how product innovation and carbon accountability can move forward—together. It also offers a working model for others striving to balance durability, sustainability, and commercial readiness in high-performance applications. By **[Juliana Montoya](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/jmontoyaplasticsengineering-org/)** | August 4, 2025 [https://www.plasticsengineering.org](https://www.plasticsengineering.org) ##### [Juliana Montoya](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/author/jmontoyaplasticsengineering-org/) [Website](https://www.plasticsengineering.org) | [+ postsBio ⮌](#) Juliana Montoya is Director of Content for Plastics Engineering. A mechanical engineer with an MSc in materials engineering, she has experience as a sustainability and packaging consultant focused on ecodesign and recycling. Her work centers on technical content for the plastics industry, connecting polymer innovation, manufacturing trends, and sustainability strategy for industry audiences. - Juliana Montoya [From PhD Research to ASTM Standard: Apoorva Kulkarni Advances Aquatic Biodegradation Testing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/apoorva-kulkarni-astm-d8646-aquatic-biodegradation-012332/) - Juliana Montoya [In-Line Resin Monitoring Targets Recycled Resin Variability](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/in-line-resin-monitoring-targets-recycled-resin-variability-012269/) - Juliana Montoya [How PCR, PFAS Rules and EPR Are Reshaping Healthcare Foams](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/how-pcr-pfas-rules-and-epr-are-reshaping-healthcare-foams-012113/) - Juliana Montoya [2026 Injection Molding Summit Spotlights Metal 3D Printing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/07/2026-injection-molding-summit-spotlights-metal-3d-printing-012006/) ### Other posts you could read [October 7, 2026Polymeric Membranes Improve Gas Separation in Oil and Gas](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/polymeric-membranes-improve-gas-separation-in-oil-and-gas-012224/) [September 24, 2026Circular Automotive Foams: Recyclable TPE for Soft-Touch Parts](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/circular-automotive-foams-recyclable-tpe-for-soft-touch-parts-012126/) [October 9, 2026Liquid Crystal Film Reduces Ghost Images in Automotive Displays](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/liquid-crystal-film-reduces-ghost-images-in-automotive-displays-012245/) [September 19, 2026AI Injection Molding Ecosystem: Smarter Together](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/ai-injection-molding-ecosystem-smarter-together-012191/) [September 30, 2026Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Expand Rubber Processing Options](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/thermoplastic-vulcanizates-expand-rubber-processing-options-012208/) [September 28, 2026Why Halogen-Free Flame Retardants Still Challenge Compounders](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/why-halogen-free-flame-retardants-still-challenge-compounders-012160/) [September 23, 2026New German Project Uses AI and Batch Data to Improve PCR Quality](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/09/new-german-project-uses-ai-and-batch-data-to-improve-pcr-quality-012150/) [October 5, 2026SPE Microplastics Forum Will Bring Plastics Experts to Baltimore](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/10/spe-microplastics-forum-will-bring-plastics-experts-to-baltimore-012299/) ## Share Your Thoughts [Cancel reply](/2025/08/net-zero-backpack-vaude-and-basf-bring-climate-neutral-polyamide-to-market-009332/#respond) - 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