BASF drives forward structural adjustments by consolidating Asian polytetrahydrofuran business

BASF is taking decisive action to address structural changes in the global chemical fiber market characterized by significant overcapacities, by consolidating its Asian polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF^®)^* business into its Caojing site in China, while discontinuing PolyTHF production at the Ulsan chemicals site in South Korea. The closure is targeted for completion in 2026.

This decision is part of BASF’s ongoing strategic review of its global production setup to enhance competitiveness, in line with its Winning Ways strategy.

After the closure, BASF will continue to provide its customers with a reliable supply of PolyTHF, leveraging its strong regional production presence in Caojing, China; Ludwigshafen, Germany; and Geismar, the United States, with a total annual production capacity of 250,000 metric tons.

^{* PolyTHF® is an essential starting material for elastic spandex and elastane fibers, which are used in a wide range of textiles, for example swimsuits, sportswear and underwear. PolyTHF® is a registered trademark of BASF.}
 

About BASF Intermediates

BASF's Intermediates division is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of chemical intermediates and we aim to become the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates for our customers. With more than 600 products in our portfolio, including amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties, we offer innovative solutions for a wide range of industries, from coatings and plastics to pharmaceuticals and crop protection. Our intermediates can improve the properties of end products and increase the efficiency of production processes. With our focus on CO2 management, recycled and bio/renewable products, we offer our customers solutions and products which support them in achieving their sustainability goals. As an ISO 9001 certified division, we operate a global network of production sites in Europe, Asia and North America.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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