BASF–Hannong Chemicals Joint Venture inaugurates the new non-ionic surfactant (NIS) site in Seosan, Korea

• Expanding non-ionic surfactant production capacity to meet growing demand in Asia Pacific.
• Strengthening BASF’s global supply network through a new production base for specialty surfactants.

Seoul, Korea – March 18, 2026 – BASF Hannong Chemicals Solutions Ltd. (BHCS), the joint venture between BASF and Hannong Chemicals, announced the inauguration of its new non-ionic surfactant (NIS) site located in the Daesan Industrial Complex in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea.

At the ceremony, key attendes included Tae-heum Kim, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do; Wan-seop Lee, Mayor of Seosan; Daniel Wussow, President of Care Chemicals, BASF (effective Apri 1, 2026); Woo Suk Lee, Managing Director of BASF Korea; Eung-sang Kim, CEO of Hannong Chemicals; and Sang-ho Kyung, President of Hannong Chemicals, along with other representatives from both companies.

Built on a site of approximately 12,234 m², the site is operated by BHCS, the joint venture established with a shareholding structure of 51% BASF and 49% Hannong Chemicals, and began trial operations in January 2026. With support from Chungcheongnam-do Province and the City of Seosan, a swing tank was installed to enhance production flexibility and supply reliability.

The site combines BASF’s strong technology and product innovation capabilities with Hannong Chemicals’ highly efficient production capabilities to reliably supply high-quality non-ionic surfactants to customers across Asia. In the future, production will be expanded to include specialty surfactants, further strengthening BASF’s global production network.

The non-ionic surfactants produced at the new facility are used in a wide range of industries, including the chemical industry, agriculture, cosmetics and personal care, as well as the polymer and polyurethane (PU) foam stabilizer industry.

“Through its collaboration with Hannong Chemicals, BASF will enhance its ability to serve customers locally in a fast growing region. This plant will strengthen BASF’s global production network for non-ionic surfactants and serve as a foundation for responding to customer demand across various industries,” said Daniel Wussow, President of Care Chemicals, BASF (effective April 1, 2026).

Kim Eung Sang, CEO of Hannong Chemicals, added: “It is very meaningful for us to complete this production base that combines world-class technology and manufacturing capabilities through our cooperation with BASF. With this new site, we will further strengthen our competitiveness in the non-ionic surfactants market and provide higher-quality products and solutions to customers.”

About the Care Chemicals division at BASF
The BASF division Care Chemicals offers a broad range of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. We are a leading global supplier for the cosmetics industry as well as the detergent and cleaner industry, and support our customers with innovative and sustainable products, solutions and concepts. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients and UV filters. We have production and development sites in all regions and are expanding our presence in emerging markets. Further information is available online at www.care-chemicals.basf.com.

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 108,000 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 Hannong Chemicals
Hannong Chemicals is a manufacturing company that produces basic chemical products used in various industries. Its products are supplied to most product categories, including detergents, textiles, paints, oil refinery, and electronic materials. Hannong Chemicals generated sales of 214.5 billion KRW in 2025. Hannong Chemicals shares are traded on the stock exchange in Korea Exchange Market (KOSPI). Further information at www.hannong.co.kr.