BASF world cup leather

When the opening match between South Africa and Mexico kicks offon June 11, it marks the start of four weeks dedicated entirely to football – with chemical know-how playing an important role. An array of innovations from the BASF pipeline have been developed for soccer players and fans, ranging from construction chemicals for special flooring and pigments for use in stadiums, to special plastics andleather chemicals for soccer boots, to energy-absorbing foams for state-of-the-art artificial turf.

The opening match in June takes place in Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, which seats 90,000 people. It is one of 10 venues in South Africa and, like other venues, contains a variety of BASF products.

Football players need top quality equipment. BASF produces a special plastic for the soles and studs of soccer boots to make them lightweight, durable and easy on the joints. A special leather chemical makes soccer boots waterproof by coating each fiber with a protective film. The leather stays breathable at the same time. These properties keep players' feet dry even when it rains.

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