BASF has developed a new cleaning version of its melamine resin foam Basotect. The new grade is called Basotect W. It cleans even more efficiently and is whiter than the established version. It is certified to Öko-Tex Standard 100 in product class II, which shows that Basotect W is deemed harmless to health when used or processed. This means that no substances harmful to health are released and absorbed through the skin. The foam has also been tested to Japanese Law 112, one of the most stringent tests for formaldehyde in the world. Unlike other cleaning materials, Basotect W is well below the permissible limits.

Because of its slightly abrasive properties, Basotect W, like the established cleaning grade V 3012, is used as a household cleaning eraser. It is used without additional cleaning agent and works like a soft sandpaper, because unlike other foams it is as hard as glass, despite its fine pore structure and flexibility. When moistened with water, the foam slides easily and so can remove heavy dirt on a variety of surfaces such as tiles, ceramic stove tops, ceramics, doors, leather seats and hubcaps. This abrasive quality makes Basotect W a product that is used up like an eraser over the course of time.

Basotect and Öko-Tex

BASF manufactures the melamine resin foam in the form of blocks for foam converters to process. Features of the material include low density (<10 g/l), good cleaning qualities, excellent sound absorption, a high flame-retardancy and temperature resistance. Öko-Tex Standard 100 is a global testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediates and end products at all stages in processing, with the aim of completely eliminating harmful substances. The tests are conducted by authorized, independent textile research and test institutes. The products display the slogan "Confidence in Textiles", together with the test number and institute.