In the ever-evolving floorcare industry, BASF continues to lead with innovation, offering sustainable and high-performance solutions that meet the latest regulatory demands and industry trends. As businesses seek durable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective floorcare solutions, BASF’s comprehensive portfolio of polymers and additives provides an optimal balance of performance and sustainability.
One of the key developments in the floorcare sector is the shift away from fluorosurfactants due to increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. BASF has been proactive in addressing these challenges by offering alternative solutions, specifically HYDROPALAT® WE 3225 and HYDROPALAT ® WE 3229. These leveling and wetting agents serve as effective alternatives for traditional fluorosurfactants, helping formulators transition to more sustainable options while maintaining superior performance.
“The 3225 and 3229 products provide excellent de-foaming capabilities, which can even allow customers to remove their current defoamer from their formulations,” said Tyrone Vaughn, Technical Specialist at BASF. “This creates a potential cost-saving benefit while also enhancing the overall formulation.”
The demand for non-intentionally added fluoro raw materials has been driven by regulatory actions, such as legislation in Minnesota restricting certain chemistries in floorcare products. This has prompted manufacturers nationwide to reformulate their products to comply with strict state-level regulations, ensuring broader market acceptance.
“Many floorcare manufacturers supply products nationally, and they typically formulate to meet the most stringent regulations,” explained Bob Ratcliff, Strategic Account Manager at BASF. “Minnesota is taking a leading role in no longer allowing intentionally added fluoro chemistries, with its ‘Amara's Law’ phasing out these ‘forever chemicals’ in products by 2032.”
BASF’s ACROFLOR® portfolio offers innovative solutions that enhance durability, gloss, and chemical resistance. Key products in the lineup include:
- ACROFLOR® 1500: Known for its excellent cost-to-performance ratio, this polymer provides broad formulation flexibility, catering to both high-maintenance and low-maintenance floor care applications. It delivers outstanding gloss retention and durability, making it ideal for commercial spaces such as grocery stores and retail environments.
- ACROFLOR® 3000: A sustainable, high-performance metal-free polymer designed for premium performance. This innovative product eliminates zinc, a common crosslinking agent in traditional floor coatings, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance. “This market has lacked significant innovation for nearly 20 years,” said Don Barber, BASF Chemist. “BASF is changing that by offering solutions tailored for today’s evolving substrates, from luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to polished concrete, ensuring superior performance across a range of commercial applications.”
The floorcare industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by shifts in substrate materials and maintenance requirements. Traditional vinyl composition tile (VCT) is being replaced with luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which requires different maintenance approaches. Additionally, polished concrete is becoming the preferred flooring choice in major retail spaces.
“Walk into a grocery store or large retails spaces, and you’ll notice a change,” said Ratcliff. “LVT and polished concrete are replacing traditional flooring, and these surfaces require a completely different approach to maintenance. BASF is leading the way in developing solutions for these latest trends.”
Beyond performance, BASF remains committed to sustainability and supply chain reliability. All of BASF’s floorcare polymers and additives are domestically produced, reducing transportation emissions, and ensuring a stable supply for customers. The company’s dedication to sustainable chemistry is further reinforced by its ongoing research into environmentally friendly crosslinking technologies and non-fluorinated wetting agents.
“Our goal is to provide customers with solutions that are not only high-performing but also sustainable,” said Vaughn. “With metal-free crosslinking in ACROFLOR ® 3000 and our wetting agents as alternative to fluoro-containing additives, we’re helping customers navigate an increasingly regulated market while improving the environmental impact of their products.”
To support formulators in navigating these changes, BASF has released a comprehensive Floorcare Solutions Brochure, detailing its full product portfolio and application benefits. Additionally, a technical white paper provides insights into reformulating floorcare products without fluorinated surfactants, guiding manufacturers through a seamless transition.
“Our new resources are designed to make it easier for customers to understand how to reformulate successfully,” said Barber. “The brochure gives an overview of our entire floor care portfolio, while the white paper offers in-depth guidance on moving away from fluorosurfactants.”
BASF’s commitment to the floorcare industry is stronger than ever. Since entering this market in 2017, the company has continuously expanded its product offerings and developed new technologies that address evolving regulatory and consumer demands. With ongoing innovation efforts in polished concrete solutions and next-generation formulations, BASF remains a trusted partner for formulators seeking high-performance, sustainable floor care solutions.
“We are committed to continued innovation in this space,” said Ratcliff. “As substrates and regulations evolve, BASF will remain at the forefront, providing solutions that deliver superior performance and sustainability.”
For more information and to access BASF’s latest floor care resources, visit BASF’s Floorcare Solutions webpage.