BASF launches paper coating dispersions with reduced Product Carbon Footprint designed to enable cost-effective CO₂ reduction

• Product Carbon Footprint reduction of around 20% to 45% compared with corresponding conventional paper coating binders
• Drop-in solution to support customers’ Scope 3.1 carbon reduction targets

BASF is launching a portfolio of dispersions for paper coating with a reduced Product Carbon Footprint (rPCF). Paper coating binders produced at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site are now available with approximately 20% to 45% lower Product Carbon Footprints^* than the corresponding conventional products. These new rPCF dispersions use several levers including low-PCF raw materials. They are designed to support customers in lowering emissions in the 'Purchased Goods and Services' category and working toward their Scope 3.1 carbon reduction targets. The carbon footprints of the products are calculated according to the guidance issued by the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative and TÜV Rheinland has certified the conformance of BASF's calculation methodology with this standard.

"We are launching our new rPCF portfolio to address our customers' need for practical solutions for emission reduction," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Schiele, Vice President Business Management Adhesives, Fiber Bonding, Printing, Paper & Packaging. "The new products offer a cost-effective option for contributing to relevant CO₂ savings. As part of  BASF's commitment to the paper and board industry, this is one way we aim to support our customers in addressing current and future market challenges."

For rPCF paper coating dispersions, BASF uses low-PCF raw materials as well as green utilities, including electricity from renewable sources and low-PCF steam. The products are manufactured at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site using a mass balance approach: A specified share of conventional raw materials or conventional utilities is replaced with corresponding alternatives that have a reduced PCF. This share is then allocated to the reduced-PCF products, lowering their carbon footprint accordingly. The manufacturing process itself remains unchanged, allowing customers to transition seamlessly to the new products as a drop-in solution without requiring requalification.

^*Product carbon footprint (PCF) refers to cradle-to-gate emissions and is calculated according to applicable methodologies. PCF reductions are assessed case-by-case in comparison with the conventional BASF product. 
 

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 95,000 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 around €60 billion in 2025. 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. 
 

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division 

The Dispersions & Resins division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality polymer dispersions, resins, additives and electronic materials worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for a number of industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Resins division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Resins division, please visit www.dispersions-resins.basf.com.