BASF Japan Engages Children in Fun-Filled ‘Kids’ Lab’ to Promote Responsible Plastic Use and Recycling Awareness

• Hands-on experiments from the “Plastic Lab” teach children about responsible plastic use and recycling.
• “Plastic Lab” was co-developed by BASF headquarters in Germany and educational service provider two4science.
• The initiative promotes chemistry education for children by fostering curiosity and encouraging awareness of a sustainable society.

Tokyo, Japan – August 7, 2025 – BASF Japan Ltd. conducted its chemistry education program “Kids Lab” at the “Summer Vacation Kids Chemistry Experiment Show 2025” held on August 2–3 at the Science Museum in Tokyo. The event was organized by the “Dream Chemistry–21” Committee.

This year’s “Kids Lab” featured experiments from the “Plastic Lab,” co-developed by BASF and two4science in Germany. The program offered elementary school students (grades 3–6) an opportunity to learn about the importance of plastic recycling and responsible usage. Trained BASF employees supported the experiments and helped convey the fun of chemistry.

About “Plastic Lab”

“Plastic Lab” nurtures children’s curiosity and encourages them to think about a sustainable society through the following experiences:
Plastic Sorting Experiment Using Infrared Cameras and Salt Water:
Teaches the importance of sorting as the first step in recycling.
Making Plastic from Renewable Raw Materials:
Deepens understanding of plastics made from renewable resources.
This program was developed and validated at the “BASF Kids Lab Competence Center” in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and is now offered globally.

BASF’s Commitment to Chemistry Education

BASF’s “Kids Lab” began in Germany in 1997 and has reached over 1.4 million children worldwide. Through this initiative, BASF Japan contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: “Quality Education.

Rachib Zeidam, Representative Director & President of BASF Japan Ltd., commented, “We are delighted that children can experience the joy of chemistry through our experiment program and begin thinking about the relationship between plastics and a sustainable society. Plastics make our life more convenient, but responsible use is essential. We hope this experience helps raise environmental awareness among the children who will shape our future.”

About BASF in Japan　

BASF has been a committed partner to Japan since 1888.  Operating both production sites as well as Research and Development facilities in Japan, BASF contributes to the success of Japanese　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 customers nationwide as well as globally by providing products and solutions to nearly all industries. These include the automotive, construction, pharmaceutical, medical, electronics, electric, packaging, home and personal care, agriculture and food industries. As of the end of 2024, BASF employed 897 employees in Japan, and recorded sales of about € 1.5 billion to customers in the country. Further information is available on  www.basf.com/jp. 

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 112,000 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 €65.3 billion in 2024. 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.