Battery recycling closes the loop in electromobility - Lab technician Theresa Simon checks the crystallization of the lithium salts in a laboratory reactor.
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Innovation

Who we are

Innovation at BASF

As a global leader in chemical industry R&D, we build on more than 160 years of innovation excellence and a broad global presence. By continuously improving existing products and processes and developing new ones, we aim to support our customers’ green transformation and strengthen our competitiveness. Our innovations are driven by a clear purpose: unlocking the potential of chemistry to create a more sustainable future.
Only with innovations from chemistry can we solve the pressing questions of the future, grow as BASF and remain competitive. That is why we are working intensively with customers and partners to develop innovative products and optimize processes and the use of raw materials. With our solutions, we hold the key to leading ourselves, our customers and society towards climate neutrality and a circular economy. Therefore, we have a special responsibility.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade

Member of the Board of Executive Directors
and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE, responsible for Monomers; Performance Materials; Group Research and Greater China.

Facts and Figures 2025

~9,000
 employees in R&D woldwide

~€2 bn 

expenses for R&D

~€11 bn

sales with products launched on the market in the past five years that stemmed from R&D

898

new patents worldwide

Our Innovation Focus

Our innovation focus encompasses the development of new products and solutions as well as product and process improvements that ensure our long-term competitiveness and enable our customers’ green transformation. Another focus is on innovation for more sustainable agriculture.
 

By using resources more efficiently, manufacturing our products in a more environmentally friendly way and helping to recycle them (more on Circular Economy), we support our customers in reducing their carbon footprint. At the same time, we contribute to decoupling growth from the consumption of limited resources. 

Research & Development examples

Our researchers are working on many hundreds of research projects to meet the challenges of our customers. Discover selected examples of our Research & Development activities:
Methane pyrolysis test plant at the Ludwigshafen site at night.
Low emission hydrogen: Methane pyrolysis  
BASF is working together with cooperation partners in a project funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMRTS) to develop methane pyrolysis, a technology for producing low-emission hydrogen from natural gas. This is one example of how we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our production processes, achieve our climate goals, and offer our customers products with a reduced carbon footprint. 
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BASF’s X3D catalysts can be precisely tailored to customers’ specific chemical processes.
X3D®: Our commercially proven catalyst shaping technology
We are driving forward innovative technologies in catalyst manufacturing that enable customized, particularly high-performance catalysts to be produced. With the X3D® technology, BASF extends its proven catalyst production expertise into additive manufacturing. By combining 3D printing with established production know‑how, X3D® enables reliable, scalable, and large‑volume supply for industrial applications.  
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Two research associates at the Innovation Campus Shanghai, China, examine the surface of aluminum foil coated with a cathode material.
Shaping the future of electromobility 
As a global leading supplier of cathode active materials (CAM), we develop battery materials and electric powertrains in close cooperation with vehicle manufacturers to enable safer and more efficient driving. But that is not all: our researchers work on improving many more factors for a sustainable mobility of the future. 
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A chemical laboratory technician adds the liquid detergent to the washing machine drum.
The Power of Lavergy® Enzymes in Laundry Care 
In Home Care applications, enzymes play a pivotal role by breaking down complex stains and soils. We are dedicated to delivering performance excellence to our customers through the continuous expansion of our enzyme portfolio. Our Lavergy® enzymes solutions combine performance, sustainability, and care for fabrics.
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The first jacket made from loopamid® in front of the loopamid plant in Shanghai, China.
Loopamid®: Designed for circular fashion  
Tons of textile waste is being dumped every year. This is a two-way disaster – environmental pollution as well as a waste of precious resources. That’s why we are researching circular solutions for textiles. loopamid® is the recycled polyamide 6 entirely based on textile waste. The technology behind loopamid® turns textile waste into a valuable resource.  
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Cotton field with mature cotton plants in rows under a clear blue sky.
High Performing Seeds
To help farmers control resistant weeds, we are investing in the development of herbicide-tolerant cotton traits. From selecting the right seed to protecting crops throughout the growing season, BASF supports farmers with solutions that help secure healthy crops and reliable yields. 
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Learn more about our innovation power:

A lab chemist checks polymer pellets for extrusion experiments with a lab manager.
Research & Development
Innovations are one of the essential factors in BASF’s success. The knowledge and skills of our highly qualified employees are our most valuable resources and the source of our innovative strength.
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A diverse team of four people working together.
Academic Collaborations
Our global network of top universities, research institutes and companies gives us direct access to external scientific expertise, talented minds from various disciplines as well as new technologies.
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A laboratory technician examines the crystallization of lithium salts in a laboratory reactor.
Meet our experts
Resarchers at BASF create chemistry for a sustainable future. They develop new products, processes and solutions that make our everyday lives easier and enable climate protection. Get to know our scientists and their research.
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Research Press Briefing 2025
From innovative products and processes to the use of AI in research – BASF offered exciting insights into the future of the chemical industry.
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