Factbook

Methane pyrolysis is a low-carbon emitting technology that uses electricity to convert natural gas or other gases such as biomethane into hydrogen and solid carbon. The technology does not generate process-related CO₂ emissions, requires approximately one-fifth of the electrical energy needed for water electrolysis and does not require the use of water. BASF developed a superior reactor concept that we successfully validated at our test plant in Ludwigshafen. With our partner ExxonMobil, we now plan to construct and operate a demonstration plant in Baytown, Texas, as a next step toward commercial readiness.

BASF is adding a modern catalyst, Lupragen^® N 208, to its portfolio of amine catalysts for the production of polyurethane (PU) foams. As a reactive catalyst, Lupragen^® N 208 is firmly integrated into the PU polymer network during foam production and therefore cannot escape from the foam afterwards. This prevents the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause unwanted effects such as odor. This property makes Lupragen^® N 208 particularly suitable for the manufacture of PU products for applications in which stringent low-VOC standards must be met. Examples range from flexible foams for mattresses and upholstery to more rigid foams for automotive interiors such as dashboards or armrests.

BASF co-created the Pro Flex^® Terra foot prosthesis together with Össur, a leading global provider of prosthetic solutions. The cutting-edge material technology of Cellasto^® combines softness and flexibility with remarkable energy return. This enables the Pro Flex^® Terra to deliver an intuitive response and closely mimic the natural muscle tendon movement of the human foot. The unique Cellasto^® foam design adapts to a wide range of load conditions without any mechanical or electrical adjustments, making it suitable for activities ranging from slow walking and hiking to high impact sports in both extremely cold and hot environments.

With Ultramid^® H, BASF introduces a breakthrough in thermoplastic polyamides. This innovative material enables significantly thinner artificial casings for sausages and meat products while still allowing smoke and moisture to pass efficiently, supporting both smoking and drying directly in the casing. Its unique hydrophilic profile expands the functional possibilities of pure polyamide solutions and provides an alternative to traditional collagen or cellulose casings. With seamless processing in existing production setups, Ultramid^® H sets a new benchmark for advanced polymer design and reinforces BASF’s role as a pioneer in developing high‑performance, application-driven materials.

Amid fast changing market dynamics, the construction sector increasingly relies on innovation to accelerate project timelines and reduce labor costs, making fast curing waterproofing solutions essential. BASF’s HydroBoost Technology delivers on this need with a unique dispersion design that optimizes interaction with cement. Acronal^® Xpress 7856, powered by HydroBoost Technology, provides robust performance while enabling rapid application, helping customers significantly reduce labor time and overall project costs.

BASF has introduced its new GLYSANTIN^® ELECTRIFIED^® low electrical conductivity coolants (LECCs) to enhance the safety and operational stability of battery systems in electric vehicles. The products comply with the GB 29743.2 2025 standard, which took effect in China on October 1, 2025, and are designed to maintain consistently low electrical conductivity when in contact with high voltage components. This helps reduce fluid decomposition and hydrogen generation, thereby lowering the risk of overheating, fire or explosion and contributing to improved battery durability and vehicle safety. In addition, the coolants provide robust corrosion protection and broad material compatibility. Their performance has been validated by external testing and certification bodies, including SGS and RATTC, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Transport of China.

Aloversil™ is a new cosmetic ingredient with potent natural peptides designed to support the appearance of denser hair in men experiencing visible signs of shedding. It helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, which is key for visibly stronger, fuller and more resilient hair. In a clinical study, daily application of a leave-in hair serum containing Aloversil™ led to noticeable improvements in the look of hair coverage and density over a four-month period. In vitro studies show that the new ingredient supports the body’s own cellular communication and natural micro-vascularization, both of which are associated with nourishing healthy hair follicles and improving the hair’s appearance. Aloversil™ is made from the seedcake of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a by-product of juice and oil production, and is 100% of natural origin according to ISO 16128.

BASF has launched a range of aroma ingredients with a reduced product carbon footprint (rPCF), including L-menthol FCC rPCF. These products help customers achieve their Scope 3 emission reduction targets. BASF’s rPCF aroma ingredients come with a PCF reduction of about 10% to 15% compared with the respective conventional BASF product thanks to the use of raw materials or energy supplies with lower PCFs. The PCFs of BASF’s rPCF portfolio are calculated in accordance with the guidance issued by the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative. TÜV Rheinland has certified that BASF’s calculation method conforms with this standard.

Through its joint venture BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Co., Ltd., BASF has developed an ultra-high nickel NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) cathode active material with a unique composite coating layer to address interface issues between cathode active materials (CAM) for semi-solid-state batteries and solid electrolytes. This not only enhances the energy density by ensuring higher capacity and lower resistance, but also improves the cycling performance and calendar life by suppressing side reactions in interfaces between the CAM and the electrolyte. BASF and Beijing WELION New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a pioneering battery producer with over 40 years of experience in exploring solid-state battery technologies, moved swiftly from concept to mass production in just one year through seamless teamwork and a shared commitment to technological advancement. The collaboration represents a true milestone toward industrializing solid-state batteries.

ECMS has developed a new chabazite-based, copper-zeolite Selective Catalytic Reaction (GenV+CuSCR) technology to fulfill the nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrogen dioxide (N₂O) emissions limits in the upcoming on-road Euro VII and U.S. EPA27 heavyduty regulations. This innovation is a significant advancement over ECMS’s copper chabazite (CuCHA) SCR technology. Compared with the current GenIV CuSCR, the new technology provides a 30% to 40% N₂O reduction across the typical heavy-duty diesel vehicle operating temperature window, maintains the same high levels of low-temperature NOx conversion, and increases high-temperature NOx conversion. The GenV+ technology is now technically qualified at several global truck customers and will be implemented on many key platforms to meet the upcoming emissions regulations.

Axant^® Flex is cotton’s first and only quadruple-stack herbicide tolerance trait package. This unprecedented tolerance to multiple herbicides provides farmers with critical options to control resistant weeds. The seed technology is incorporated into BASF’s high-quality cotton varieties and supported by its industry-leading herbicide pipeline. This integrated solution safeguards yield stability and fiber quality and was recently launched for farmers in major cotton-growing regions, including the United States; in Brazil, it is available as Seletio^®, a triple-stack herbicide trait package. The innovation strengthens BASF’s market position as a leading provider of quality cotton seed varieties with advanced trait technologies.