BASF and LEMON Co., Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop innovative material solutions for the apparel industry using Freeflex®, a fibre derived from BASF’s Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Under the agreement, LEMON will integrate Freeflex into its waterproof and windproof apparel lines, while both companies explore future opportunities for technology and business collaboration.

According to Lee Jong-il, Chief Executive Officer of LEMON, the partnership enables the company to expand its electrospinning technology and deliver advanced nanofibre materials to global apparel brands. By combining LEMON’s expertise in nanomembrane development with BASF’s material innovations, the collaboration aims to redefine standards in functional textiles.

Freeflex is a high-performance BASF material engineered to produce nanomembranes with a reticular structure via electrospinning. It offers superior water repellency, enhanced air permeability, and a lightweight structure, ensuring comfort and durability even in extreme environmental conditions.

Rohit Ghosh, Vice President – Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific at BASF, stated that Freeflex demonstrates how material science can shape the future of sustainable, high-performance clothing. The collaboration marks BASF’s growing footprint in South Korea’s apparel industry through cutting-edge TPU fibre technology.

Importantly, Freeflex is manufactured without the intentional use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and is fully recyclable—aligning with both companies’ commitments to sustainability and circular innovation.

LEMON specialises in nanomaterial-based functional membranes and has recently expanded into next-generation industrial materials for mobile, wearable, and electronic applications. BASF’s Performance Materials division continues to lead sustainable transformation across industries, achieving global sales of €6.8 billion in 2024.

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