Framework: Principles, Values, and Strategies

Sustainability was initially a component of BASF’s Vision 2010, which was developed in 1994. Over the following years, the concept of sustainability was implemented in the company guidelines and fundamental values and permeated how the company acted. 10 years later, in 2004, sustainability became a component of the BASF strategy for the first time. In its updated corporate strategy of 2018, BASF defined six strategic action areas – sustainability being one of them.

Developmental Stages
1979	BASF defines its principles in form of written corporate guidelines for the first time. Excerpt: BASF is aware of its diverse responsibility when it comes to the environment. The company is dedicated to proving itself as a reliable and loyal partner, which is looking for excellent collaboration, adheres to applicable laws and acts in a socially responsible manner.
1983	The Board of Executive Directors at BASF adopted the ‘Guidelines for Occupational Safety in the BASF Group’. Excerpt: Safety shall not be sacrificed for productivity and profitability.
1985	As one of the first chemical companies, BASF developed its own guidelines for environmental protection. Excerpt: BASF has set itself the goal of manufacturing products that are safe to make, safe to use and safe to dispose of.
1990	BASF presents a revised version of its corporate guidelines. Excerpt: The company is dedicated to proving itself as a reliable partner, one which is conscious of the environment and safety, is looking for excellent collaboration, adheres to applicable laws and acts in a socially responsible manner. And: economic considerations do not take priority over environmental and occupational health and safety.
1994	Within the framework of Vision 2010, BASF commits to the concept of sustainability. Excerpt: We are committed to a sustainable, future-compatible development as outlined by ‘Sustainable Development’ and we are aligning our actions accordingly.
1997	BASF presents its current corporate guidelines: its ‘constitution’ – with the commitment to sustainability. Excerpt: We are committed to a sustainable, future-compatible development as outlined by Sustainable Development and are aligning our actions accordingly. Our products and services in the areas of nutrition, health, clothing, living, energy, mobility and communication contribute to satisfying the needs of a continually growing world population.
2000	The company presents a round of values for the first time – with ‘sustained success’ as one of six values. Excerpt: Sustainable economic success within the meaning of Sustainable Development is a prerequisite for all of what we do. We are obliged to act in the interest of our customers, stakeholders and our employees, and we assume responsibility in society.
2004	BASF introduces its Strategy 2015. One of the four strategic guidelines states: We practice sustainable management for a worthwhile future. Excerpt: We want to maintain and improve the conditions for prosperity and growth. We shall achieve this by combining economic success, environmental protection and social stability.
2011	BASF presents its updated strategy and summarizes its purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. Excerpt: We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers to meet the current and future needs of society.
2018	BASF presents its new strategy – with sustainability one of six focal points. Excerpt: We can be successful in the long term when our products, solutions and technologies deliver an added value for the environment, society and the economy. We want to strengthen our position as a pioneer for sustainable solutions and embed sustainability to an even greater extent in our business models.