Ludwigshafen, Germany / Chiuduno, Italy – KASK, the iconic Italian helmet brand, is using expandable polystyrene (EPS) granules Neopor® Ccycled® from BASF for the production of safety helmets for workers. In the manufacturing process of Neopor® Ccycled® fossil feedstocks are replaced by pyrolysis oil obtained from recycled post-consumer plastic waste through chemical recycling at the very beginning of the BASF value chain using the mass balance approach[1]. This way, BASF is able to offer Neopor® Ccycled® with a Product Carbon Footprint reduced by approximately 90% compared to conventional Neopor®.
KASK is now using this more sustainable EPS to produce the internal shell of the Primero series as well as the internal shell of the Zenith X and Superplasma safety helmet series from the end of October 2024. These products feature the same high quality and safety performance and an improved product carbon footprint in comparison to using conventional EPS. By choosing these product series, which together cover the majority of helmets sold, KASK is able to make a positive impact on the circular economy.
KASK helmets setting safety standards since two decades
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, KASK has grown to become a pioneer in sport and workplace safety over the last two decades. By putting personal protection first without compromising on comfort, design and performance, KASK is setting a new approach towards head protection. Moreover, all KASK helmet series exceed the highest European and international safety standards.
“At KASK we are constantly engaged in the research and development of innovative technologies and solutions aimed to continually improving the safety, comfort and design of the helmets,” says Angelo Gotti, founder and owner of KASK. “We have the goal of enabling every worker to maximize their performance throughout the day, ensuring freedom and awareness of feeling protected even in the most challenging and risky situations.”
Neopor® Ccycled® from BASF contributing to preserving fossil raw materials
The decision for using Neopor® Ccycled® for the internal shell of KASK safety helmets has been made after intensive performance tests, which showed that Neopor® Ccycled® is able to guarantee the same mechanical characteristics as standard Neopor®, such as all-around high impact energy absorption.
“At KASK, safety is our top priority. In our quest for more sustainable solutions, we turned to BASF to find the best materials that could ensure a lower environmental impact while maintaining the same high level of protection and comfort for workers. We are proud of this collaboration, which helps us reduce the use of virgin raw materials and support the transition to more sustainable alternatives.” – explains Marta Beltramello, Sales & Marketing Director of KASK Safety. “The Primero collection, launched in 2023, was the first to feature BASF Ccycled® EPS. But we didn’t stop there: now, both the Zenith X and Superplasma collections have an internal shell made of Neopor® Ccycled®.”
In the production of Neopor® Ccycled®, fossil raw materials are replaced by pyrolysis oil at the very beginning of the petrochemical value chain. This alternative raw material is obtained from pyrolysis of plastic waste that would otherwise be used for energy recovery or go to landfill. The attribution of the pyrolysis oil to Neopor® Ccycled® according to a mass balance approach is independently certified according to REDcert².
“It is of utmost importance for us to contribute with our products to reducing fossil resources consumption and to enabling the shift to a circular economy, while not compromising on quality or safety,” says Alessandro Gandini, Commercial Manager Styrenic Foams Mediterranean Area at BASF. “We are really proud that Neopor® Ccycled® has been selected for these high-quality KASK safety helmets and will help to support the safety of workers each day.”
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
About KASK
KASK is the premier provider of advanced sport and safety helmets for performance environments. Headquartered in Chiuduno, Italy – with additional offices in the U.S. and Australia. KASK manufactures – in the U.S.A. and Italy – helmets that enable athletes and workers to perform at their best. KASK helmets deliver confidence in challenging environments, such as equestrian, snow sport, and cycling as well as construction, manufacturing, mining, forestry, emergency and rescue. The company’s mission is to develop helmets that exceed the strictest global safety protection standards maintaining a perfect balance between technological excellence, functionality and an innovative design. The high quality of the materials, combined with an extraordinary comfort, ensures freedom and awareness of feeling protected even in the most challenging and risky situations. To learn more visit www.KASK-safety.com
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