Co-Innovation of Materials, Standards, and Markets: BASF'S Development of Ecoflex

by Arthur Daemmrich. Product innovation in the chemicals sector today requires not just scientific and technological advances but also compliance with standards and regulations, along with marketing to sophisticated intermediate firms and end users. Yet the very novelty of new materials often means that product standards, health and safety regulations, and consumer markets are underdeveloped or absent. Part of the Studies in Materials Innovation white paper series produced by the Center for Contemporary History and Policy at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. The Robert W. Gore Materials Innovation Project illuminates the diverse contributions of materials innovation within the broader process of technological development in the contemporary age. It documents, analyzes, and makes known the immense benefits of materials innovation. Made possible by the generous financial contribution of Robert W. Gore, chairman of W. L. Gore & Associates.