BASF introduces first thermoplastic polyamides for artificial sausage casings

BASF has launched Ultramid H33 L, a thermoplastic polyamide (nylon) for artificial casing in which sausages can be smoked and then dried. The material offers a combination of strength and high water permeability.

While traditional casings have been made of collagen or cellulose, the new polyamide provides an alternative to produce artificial casings with significantly thinner walls due to its strength.

Dr. Rolf Minkwitz, who is responsible for polyamide product development at BASF, says: “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.”

The hydrophilic properties of Ultramid H allow the smoke aromas to pass through the artificial casing made of pure polyamide into the sausage products during the smoking process. The high water permeability supports subsequent drying directly in the casing.

This spring, BASF Gastronomy and Südpack launched thermoformed packaging produced with BASF’s polyamide Ultramid Ccycled for meat and sausage packaging. It is rated as recyclable in the PE film stream in accordance with the current German standard. It is also mechanically recyclable in the dual system.

Last year, BASF received a €2.2 million (US$2.3 million) fund from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to improve the mechanical recycling of plastics.