We create change

Innovations from field to table

From growing crops in the field to the packaging that protects the food we eat; every choice affects the world around us. With innovative solutions for farming and food production, BASF is rethinking how food is produced and consumed. Discover how we are creating change to feed a growing population.

A female farmer, wearing overalls and a hat, holds a tablet and examines plants in a field on a sunny day.  A light swirl hovers near the tablet. On the left side of the image, there is text that reads: "The power of digital farming."

From seeding to harvest, farmers around the world face huge challenges: shifting weather patterns, limited natural resources, and the needs of a growing population. By 2050, farmers need to produce as much food as has been eaten in all human history, increasing productivity by 50% using the same amount of arable land (FAO).

Digital tools are a proven solution to help manage these challenges. Using sensors, satellite images, drones, data and AI, they allow farmers to analyze soil quality, crop health, weather, and other variables to make more informed decisions about planting, fertilization, and pest and disease control.

BASF’s agricultural business is determined to bring digital technologies to more than 400 million hectares of farmland cumulatively by 2030. At the forefront of this digital transformation is the BASF team behind xarvio^® Digital Farming Solutions.

A farmer is standing in a field of yellow oilseed rape flowers, holding a smartphone and examining the plants. The background features an expansive landscape with more yellow flowers and green hills under a clear sky.

Our programmers, analysts, agronomists and digital experts develop innovative solutions that can pinpoint agronomic recommendations right down to individual fields. Technologies such as smart sprayers and drones further complement our digital farming platforms. This data-driven approach ensures crops receive exactly the right inputs in the right place at the right time, leading to higher and better quality yields, reduced emissions, and less impact on natural resources and the environment. Simultaneously, farmers can save time and money through greater efficiency and convenience.

Transforming the world’s food systems is a huge undertaking. No single farmer or company can do it alone. But at BASF we believe that our skills and resources can act as catalysts for change in the world of agriculture.

A sandwich partially wrapped in a white plastic wrapper is positioned on the left of the image. On the right, the text reads: "Wrap, protect, recycle"

What if the packaging that keeps your favorite foods fresh could also help protect the planet? Imagine your favorite cheese wrapped in a material that not only preserves its quality but is also recyclable. Picture a bottle made from paper — designed to hold liquids while seamlessly fitting into existing recycling systems.

As the largest segment of the plastics industry, packaging is at the forefront of the search for sustainable alternatives. BASF is driving innovations like rigid packaging made from certified compostable ecovio^®, which offers the same durability as traditional materials while helping divert food waste from landfills to organic recycling. Ecovio is used, for example, in single-serve coffee capsules, trays for meals and foods like sweets, meat, fruit, and vegetables, as well as plates, cups, pots, lids, cutlery, and stirrers.

A person is holding a plastic package of sliced cheese in a grocery store. The background features shelves stocked with various types of cheese.

A further challenge with plastic packaging is that it is often made from layers of different materials laminated together. While each of the single materials provides essential functions, such as protecting the food inside and increasing shelf life, this combination of layers poses difficulties for recycling the packaging once the food has been eaten. BASF’s water-based adhesives are designed to make packaging materials, for example those used for ham and cheese trays, easier to separate. This enables the sorting and reusing of individual components and promotes a more effective recycling process.

A row of brown and beige eco-friendly bottles made from biodegradable materials.

Our partnership with Pulpex Ltd and other corporate leaders supported the development of a renewable and recyclable paper bottle that integrates smoothly into existing recycling systems - pushing the boundaries of what sustainable packaging can achieve. The resulting fibre bottle is lightweight and offers brand owners a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and glass bottles.

A man and a child are standing in a kitchen, preparing fresh vegetables together. A light swirl hovers over the counter. The text reads: "Seeds for the future."

Have you ever bitten into a sandwich only to find the bread soggy from the tomato, struggled with a watermelon that’s too large to eat alone, or shed tears while chopping onions? BASF has tackled these everyday challenges with innovative solutions, improving how we experience food daily.

Using conventional seed breeding techniques, BASF’s experts have developed new fruit and vegetable varieties to meet customer needs. The BASF Intense™ tomato line is designed to retain its juice after cutting, preserving its texture and flavor. Perfect for sandwiches and salads, it also offers a longer shelf life and reduced risk of bacteria. BASF also recognized the need for smaller-sized crops, which led to the creation of Kisy, the first snack watermelon under 1 kg.

Two people hold hollowed-out watermelons filled with a red beverage, each with a black straw. One person is not visible, the other is wearing a white shirt and floral-patterned pants.

To further improve the cooking experience, the BASF team has developed Sunions^®, the world’s first tearless onion. These innovations not only enhance the quality and versatility of fruits and vegetables but also help reduce food waste, positively impacting both consumers and the environment.

A farmer wearing a hat is standing outdoors on a wooden deck next to several crates filled with various types of tomatoes.

Podcast

The journey of the tomato: From wild plant to global staple

In this podcast episode, Jane Craigie traces the origins of the humble tomato from a small hairy specimen to a juicy plump red fruit, uncovering the science and technology behind this essential ingredient.

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A close-up of a farmer holding two freshly harvested onions with dirt still on them.

Podcast

Sunions: The tear-free onion revolution

Through 30 years of crop breeding, the Sunion has been developed — a sweeter, less pungent variety that eliminates the tear-inducing effect. Discover the story behind this innovative breakthrough in this podcast episode.

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A close-up of various food items in brown paper containers. A hand is seen preparing the food. In the background, there are metal bowls containing additional ingredients.

Podcast

Rethinking food: Sustainability from farm to city

This episode of The Science Behind Your Salad explores food sustainability, land use, packaging, and the role of cities in creating sustainable food systems.

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Discover how BASF is powering the transition to a more sustainable future

Meet the people creating change.