BASF and HSCC are pursuing a potential joint venture across the polyamide 6 value chain

Braine l’Alleud, Belgium, and Fuzhou, China; October 19, 2026 – BASF SE and Highsun Holding Group (HSCC) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to explore the combination of their respective European activities across the polyamide 6 (PA6) value chain in a 50:50 joint venture. Additionally, both companies are evaluating the inclusion of their global extrusion activities outside of North America in the joint venture. The engineering plastics downstream businesses of BASF and HSCC are not in scope of the evaluation. 

“The European chemical industry needs to become more competitive. It requires supportive industrial policies as well as consolidation to create stronger companies that are better positioned to compete successfully on a global scale. BASF intends to actively shape this development,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. “Together with HSCC, we are exploring opportunities to strengthen our polyamide 6 businesses by combining the most competitive assets, the best technologies and the best commercial expertise both companies have to offer. The combination of selected complementary assets in a cost-efficient setup would strengthen our competitive position through improved asset utilization and lower costs, supporting attractive long-term offerings for our customers.”

Project teams from both companies have been established and will advance the evaluation of the potential cooperation.

As a leading producer of polyamide 6 and precursors, BASF is serving multiple industries including packaging and textiles. With production assets in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; Caojing, China; and Freeport, Texas, the company operates one of the largest production networks for polyamides worldwide. 

“BASF is a global leading chemical company with outstanding technological capabilities and deep industry heritage. We are looking forward to examining possible collaboration opportunities with BASF to jointly take our polyamide 6 and precursor businesses to the next level. We believe this cooperation could unlock strong synergies between both parties and deliver more competitive products and solutions to customers,” said Chen Zhong, President and CEO of HSCC.

Headquartered in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, HSCC is a multinational enterprise integrating chemicals, chemical fibers, and advanced new materials. The group is recognized as a leading producer of caprolactam and operates 31 manufacturing centers at different locations in China as well as in Europe, building a fully integrated value chain from basic chemical raw materials to high end new materials.

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.

About Highsun Holding Group (HSCC) 

Founded in Fujian China in 1984, HSCC, the world’s leading caprolactam producer, delivers comprehensive solutions across the polyamide industry chain and advanced new materials. Headquartered in Changle, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, the company operates four global industrial bases in Fujian Province, Jiangsu Province, Guangdong Province, and Limburg, the Netherlands. Collaborating with leading industry partners, HSCC drives the large-scale adoption of sustainable technologies – including chemical recycling – pioneering the transition to a zero-carbon future. By aligning industrial progress with environmental stewardship, the company fosters a symbiotic relationship between economic growth and planetary well-being. Further information at www.hscc.com.

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