BASF's Freeport site cuts nitrate emissions in half

Investment in technologies results in cleaner air and increased efficiencies

FREEPORT, TX, April 25, 2001 - BASF Corporation today announced a 50% reduction in all nitrate emissions from its Freeport, TX site -- a direct result of the company's $8.5 million investment in new technology allowing nitrates to be recovered from by-product streams and converted into nitric acid.

With an annual capacity of 11,000 metric tons of marketable grade acid, the new Freeport facility will also reduce water consumption, eliminate waste and generate annual cost savings in excess of $1 million. Construction on the new plant commenced last June and was completed ahead of schedule in January 2001.

Freeport's Vice President and General Manager, Ravi Singhania, commented, "BASF is deeply committed to environmental protection and safety. We regard it as an ongoing responsibility and, as demonstrated by our Freeport site, are willing to set and meet standards which exceed governmental regulations."

BASF Freeport committed to reducing nitrate emissions by half as part of its membership of the Clean Industries Program, a voluntary code of environmental guidelines sponsored by the State of Texas.

About BASF

"BASF Corporation and its subsidiaries rank as the third largest producer of chemicals and related products in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with sales of $7.9 billion in 2000. Based in Mount Olive, NJ, BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG (Ludwigshafen, Germany), which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "BF."

"We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better®" summarizes BASF's diverse product mix including chemicals, polymers, automotive and industrial coatings, colorants, nylon fibers and agricultural products. BASF in North America employs more than 15,000 people at more than 50