Net-Zero Backpack: VAUDE and BASF Bring Climate-Neutral Polyamide to Market

VAUDE and BASF launch a net-zero polyamide backpack, showcasing how drop-in sustainable materials can support climate-neutral product design.

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VAUDE and BASF have partnered to launch a backpack made from Ultramid® ZeroPCF, 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.