Wacoal and BASF are expanding their partnership, which started with bra cup innovation, into car interiors. They are developing a car armrest concept that uses advanced 3D fiber technology and BASF’s materials to make car parts lighter, more comfortable, and easier to design.
“Melooop” is a special 3D fiber molding technology made by Wacoal. It uses a process that melts and forms fibers, making complex 3D shapes in a single step without glue or multiple layers. This cuts the manufacturing steps, saves materials, reduces waste, as well as it is better for the environment. It also allows the use of a single material, which builds recycling easier. Designers can also adjust thickness as well as material properties early in development to balance weight, strength, and durability for car use.
Elastollan TPU aid this process by combining easy processing with flexible rubber-like performance. It allows the creation of 3D fiber structures that are both strong as well as flexible, while also supporting single-material designs that simplify production.
For parts including armrests that people touch usually, this technology provides softness, long-lasting shape stability, and durability even after repeated use.
The armrest concept model using Melooop technology will be shown at the BASF booth at the Automotive Engineering Expo in Nagoya from June 17–19, 2026.
According to Coherent Market Insights, the Automotive Interior Materials Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2026 to 2033. Currently, the market is at USD 65.94 Bn in 2026 and is expected to be around USD 87.94 Bn by 2033. The push for automotive interiors that blend comfort, safety, and eco-friendliness keeps market expansion on a strong, upward curve. Lightweight, sustainable choices—such as bio-based polymers and recycled fabrics, not only cut down on vehicle mass and boost fuel efficiency, they also shrink the overall environmental impact.
“At Wacoal, we are committed to combining high-quality materials, creativity and technical innovation to develop products that support people to live their daily lives in comfort and with confidence. Together with BASF, we are excited to extend the potential of our ‘Melooop’ technology beyond apparel into automotive interior applications,” said Tsuyoshi Kumura, Corporate Officer, Head of Melooop Project Office, New Business Development Office and New Business Development Division.
“Wacoal’s innovation of its proprietary technology into new application areas strongly aligns with the forward-looking, co-creation approach we value at BASF,” said Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “With our expertise in material innovation and extensive experiences in automotive applications, we are pleased to partner Wacoal in exploring new concepts and bringing innovation into new industries.”
Source:
News Room: BASF
Company: BASF
