FREEPORT, TX, July 14, 2008 – BASF’s Freeport site was recently presented with various safety, security, community outreach and environmental recognition awards from the Texas Chemical Council (TCC).

Each year TCC hosts a Safety Awards Program to recognize those member facilities who have achieved exemplary safety performance results while demonstrating a commitment to continuously improve safe operations through implementation of TCC-supported safety-related programs.

In addition, the TCC hosts a Caring for Texas Awards Program to promote and recognize continual improvement in the areas of safety, security, environmental protection and community outreach by TCC member companies.

BASF was also honored when it was presented with the Best of Texas Award for being ranked the top performer in the Class IV category (750 or more workers on site). Winners are selected annually (in four categories, Classes I through IV) from more than 220 TCC member facilities statewide.

BASF’s Freeport site achieved the hallmark of TCC’s Caring for Texas awards by being named among the few winners of the association’s Sustained Excellence in Caring for Texas Award, which honors those who have achieved superior performance in the areas cited above, and whose performance has been demonstrated over an extended period of time.

“BASF and the other award winners represent the state chemical industry at its best,” said Hector Rivero, TCC’s President and CEO. “These companies and their employees have demonstrated that they are continuously working at improving air quality, reducing energy consumption, improving safety and enforcing security.”

Art Colwell, Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Freeport site said, “I’d like to personally congratulate our employees because these awards truly reflect the commitment they demonstrate at the site every day.”

BASF’s Freeport site employs 650 employees and 542 contractors. Chemicals produced at the site are used in a wide range of product applications, including adhesives, paints and coatings, superabsorbents, nylon and plastics.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.