More than a Gift

China has a long tradition of strategic mind games. Elements from Xiangqi, angram, and other cultural symbols served as inspiration for a  game as a gift for our partners. The result combines BASF's material expertise and BASF Creation Center’s design knowhow to demonstrate how culture and technology can merge for a new interpretation of a traditional game to be more than a gift.

To bring this concept to life, two sustainable, high‑performance materials were selected that embody how material expertise takes shape in design.The post-industrial recycled Ultramid^® used for the chessboard provides the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and smooth gliding properties required for precise gameplay. Infinergy^® choosen for the lightweight and durable game pieces, offers exceptional energy return and long-lasting durability. Together, they demonstrate how recycled plastics can remain highly functional while opening up new creative possibilities.

Using a combination of advanced prototyping methods such as 3D printing, laser cutting, injection molding, and steam molding, the team transformed the early concept into a functional and precise product. The components were intentionally molded as one piece with perforations which can be pulled apart by hand, thus reducing the need for additional packaging and material use.

The end product combines sustainable materials with a minimal aesthetic. The chessboard is made from post‑industrial recycled Ultramid^®, while the pieces are crafted from Infinergy^®, a material that brings together lightness and robustness. Sustainable packaging design completes the set and reinforces the concept’s focus on conscious use of resources.
The concept brings together cultural storytelling tradition with material expertise and sends a clear signal for sustainability through the conscious use of recycled, energy-efficient materials.

India has a rich heritage of strategic mind games. Drawing inspiration from Shatranj and other cultural influences, the concept reinterprets traditional elements into a contemporary creative vision. This creates a dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and modern design, giving the project a distinctive and forward‑looking identity.

For this project, materials remaining from the research and development process are being thoughtfully repurposed, giving them a renewed and meaningful function. Ultramid^® test strips from the R&D laboratory serve as the basis for the chess pieces and impress with their strength, impact resistance, and precise workability. Haptex^® offcuts, a recyclable synthetic leather with low VOC emissions, are processed into a high-quality chessboard. Together, this creates an example of true circular value creation: resource-saving, high-quality, and consciously designed.

The journey from concept to prototype to production was driven by seamless collaboration between teams in India and Shanghai. The original concept and initial prototype were developed in India, then refined and finalized at the rapid prototyping lab at the Creation Center in Shanghai.
At this rapid prototyping lab, the concept design was translated into a clearly structured fabrication process. Following detailed material analysis, prototypes were developed and tested for dimensional stability and surface quality, ensuring suitability for laser cutting.
Ultramid^® offcuts were precision laser-cut and polished, while Haptex^® offcuts were mechanically processed and assembled to form a durable playing field.
This cross-regional approach demonstrates how quickly new ideas can take shape within the Creation Center network.

The result is a high-quality chess set made entirely from sustainable materials.
Tensile test strips of Ultramid^® from the R&D lab were upcycled with laser-cutting, assembling and polishing, while Haptex^® offcuts were mechanically processed and assembled to form a durable playing field.
The set is rounded off by minimalist, sustainable packaging that consistently reflects the resource-saving nature of the project.
This project shows how the fusion of cultural narrative and material innovation can pave the way for more responsible, future-focused design.