BASF launches first designfabrik outside Europe in Tokyo

BASF has launched the first designfabrik outside Europe in Tokyo, Japan. It will strengthen BASF’s capabilities as a provider for comprehensive solutions supporting customers from various industries, not only with innovative materials but also with assistance at a very early stage of product development.
Just as the first designfabrik in Germany, designfabrik Tokyo will offer product and industrial designers, as well as engineers consultancy work and material solutions BASF’s broad product portfolio, eg high-performance plastics and polyurethanes but also colouring solutions.
A special focus area will be automotive applications. Here, experts will support the development of new applications for different materials, in particular for vehicle interiors and exteriors, aiming to help improve the efficiency, comfort and safety of vehicles, while opening completely new design possibilities at the same time.
Toshifumi Tanakai, designfabrik Tokyo’s Vice Director, BASF Japan Ltd, pictured above, said: "Connecting industrial designers, educational institutions and customers allows us to realise unique products and design visions with BASF’s materials. designfabrik Tokyo offers support in every phase of the design process, with expert advice for colour, material and finishing.”
Since the opening of the designfabrik in 2007, BASF has a track record of working with stakeholders to make customers’ design-oriented projects even more successful with the right materials: In 2008 the launch of the Myto chair by Konstantin Grcic proved the capabilities of BASF followed by several well recognised projects, such as the Vegetal chair by Vitra or the Winkel lamp. In 2012, a global car seat design competition – sit down. move. – inspired unique designs for future car seats, with an emphasis on comfort, ergonomics, weight and safety. In 2013, the development of the Concept 1865 bicycle showed how an established product can be reinvented using new materials and the current state of the art technology.