BASF and Vega A co-created concept helmet was unveiled today – showcasing innovative material solutions and design to enhance motorcyclists’ riding style, safety, comfort and functionality.
Driving new applications by exploring co-development opportunities
In their project collaboration, BASF and Vega took into account riders’ concerns, such as lighter helmets and adequate ventilation for improved comfort and safety.
“Our innovative, customized material solutions are versatile, which opens up a wide range of product design possibilities,” said Marilyn Lye, Vice President, Business Management Industrial Products, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “You need more than just one product to solve your problem, but a wide range of high-performance materials, applications, engineering, simulation and manufacturing technologies to develop new products and applications. Our co-creation projects, such as the concept helmet, exemplify how successful collaboration across the value chain can better meet market needs.”
BASF’s broad portfolio of advanced materials that can be optimized and meet demanding application specifications inspired the creation of the concept helmet. Conceived for co-creation, the high-performance materials enhance the durability of the end product while also being designed with recyclability in mind.
- Infinergy® expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) used for the inner surface of the helmet has excellent shock absorbing properties.
- The cushioning on the bottom and Bluetooth unit is made of Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which gives it a smooth, soft-touch surface and excellent anti-wear properties. When used as a paint protection film and electroluminescent (EL) light strip, Elastollan® has good transparency, scratch resistance and excellent durability.
- Housings, breathing masks and buckle components made of Ultramid ® polyamide (PA) have good impact resistance and mechanical properties.
- Ultraform ® acetal copolymer (POM) , used for manufacturing gears and other components, has excellent sliding friction properties and dimensional stability.
- Ultradur ® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is used to make front air vents, assembly dust bags and filters, providing excellent flow, aesthetics and weather resistance (outdoor durability).
BASF’s co-creation center is a docking window for stimulating innovative solutions. BASF’s designers, engineers and simulation system experts will continue to provide customers (such as Vega) with support from design concepts to technical specifications, material testing, prototyping, verification, marketing and product launch in the early stages of product development. Regarding the concept helmet, the co-creation center worked with Vega and industrial design company Elephant Design to develop a design plan to achieve the design requirements related to the style, safety, comfort and functionality of the co-created helmet.
“Vega has been the preferred choice of many bike and two-wheeler riders for over 30 years, providing them with safety and quality. We are delighted to introduce new concepts in the helmet industry through our collaboration with BASF. Through functional and creative design with BASF, we will explore new frontiers of innovation and safety in helmet technology and materials, moving forward together towards our mission,” said Uttam Chandak, Director, R&D, Vega Auto Components Ltd., Belgaum.
India is the world’s largest market for two-wheelers, followed by scooters and motorcycle helmets. 20 million two-wheelers are sold every year and more than 250 million two-wheelers are on Indian roads.
About Vega
Vega Auto Accessories Pvt Limited, a BASF company, is located in Belgaum and is one of the leading helmet manufacturing companies in India. It has an extensive network of more than 400 dealers in the country and has branches overseas, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Angola, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Madagascar, Georgia, Peru, Israel, Cambodia, Paraguay, Guatemala and Chile. Vega has recently launched a new brand, AXOR, which is designed in collaboration with Italy to cater to the growing high-end market in India, with prices ranging from Rs 4000 to more than Rs 10,000. Vega has worked hard to become one of the leading helmet manufacturers in India, competing with world leaders in design, craftsmanship and product quality. Vega has always adhered to the motto of “quality over quantity” to every stage of development.
About BASF’s Performance Materials division
The Performance Materials business unit integrates all of BASF’s expertise in innovative customized plastics and is active globally in four major areas: transportation, construction, industrial applications, and consumer goods. The business unit has a comprehensive product and service portfolio and a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. We drive profitable growth and business development through close cooperation with customers and a focus on solutions. Strong R&D capabilities lay a solid foundation for the development of innovative products and applications. In 2020, the global sales of the Performance Materials business unit reached €5.63 billion.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with social responsibility and environmental protection. With more than 110,000 employees around the world, BASF contributes to the success of our customers in all industries and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six business areas: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2020, BASF generated global sales of approximately €59 billion. BASF shares are listed on the Frankfurt (BAS) Stock Exchange and on the U.S. stock market as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY). For more information, please visit