Reliably Cooled: BASF launches GLYTHERMIN^® for data centers of the future

• AI boom drives growing cooling demand in data centers worldwide
• GLYTHERMIN^® DC PG25 qualified as NVIDIA DSX Ready Coolant
• BASF's backward integration ensures supply reliability and consistent quality

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is driving the expansion of data centers around the world and creating new challenges for operators in energy efficiency and thermal management. With its Glythermin product platform, BASF offers high-performance heat transfer fluids for modern liquid-cooled data centers, supporting the reliable operation of AI infrastructure.

Global data center capacity has nearly doubled over the past five years¹. At the same time, the rapid growth of AI applications is significantly increasing power density within server racks. Processors and graphics processing units (GPUs) used for AI workloads can generate heat loads exceeding 150 kilowatts per rack. Under these conditions, conventional air cooling is increasingly reaching its physical limits.

As a result, operators of AI data centers are increasingly adopting Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) technologies, in which heat is removed directly at its source. The Glythermin DC and Glythermin PG products have been specifically developed for robust thermal management in liquid-cooled data center systems, comprising complementary solutions for primary-loop and DLC applications.

Cold plates, which function as small metallic heat exchangers, are mounted on processors and GPUs to transfer heat to a circulating coolant. The coolant transports the heat to a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) which monitors and controls flow rate, temperature, and pressure. Compared with conventional air cooling, liquid cooling can transfer significantly higher heat loads and support the efficient operation of high-density data center infrastructure.

Combining BASF's experience in heat transfer fluids with proven propylene glycol chemistry and advanced corrosion protection technologies, the Glythermin portfolio delivers reliable cooling performance with long-term system protection. The product formulations are designed to support extended coolant service life while minimizing inhibitor consumption, and protecting cooling systems against corrosion, aging, and deposit formation.

Glythermin DC PG 25 has qualified as NVIDIA DSX Ready Coolant. It meets the applicable NVIDIA PG25 fluid requirements, helping AI factory builders evaluate coolant options for secondary-loop, single-phase cold-plate cooling with greater confidence.

“Data center operators need partners they can rely on for performance, quality, and supply security,” said Sabrina Platzek, Senior Vice President Fuel and Lubricant Solutions at BASF. “With our global production footprint, deep expertise in cooling fluids, and the strength of BASF’s integrated Verbund network, we are well positioned to support the rapid growth of AI and digital infrastructure. Our backward integration across the value chain helps ensure that customers worldwide receive high-quality Glythermin coolants.”

BASF also contributes to the advancement of sustainable liquid cooling technologies through its active participation in leading industry associations and international standardization bodies. These include the Open Compute Project (OCP), ASTM International in the United States, and the recently established GB Standard Committee in China.

For more information, please visit GLYTHERMIN® for Data Centers

¹ German digital association Bitkom (bitkom.com)

About BASF’s fuel and lubricant solutions

With leading technical expertise, a comprehensive portfolio, and global presence, BASF’s fuel and lubricant solutions serve customers of various industries close to their markets. We offer solutions for the automotive, lubricant and other industries including engine coolants and brake fluids, synthetic base stocks, lubricant additives as well as fuel performance packages and polyisobutenes. For more information, please visit www.basf.com/fuel-lubricant-solutions.  

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.

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