Innovating for a cleaner future

Many believe that hot water is essential for removing stains from dirty laundry. But this leads to higher energy consumption and a higher impact on the planet. So how can we have perfectly cleaned towels and reduce our energy bills at the same time? One answer is switching to a detergent that provides the same results at cooler temperatures.   

BASF is the leading supplier of cleaning ingredients to top household brands worldwide; ingredients that are used to create high-performance laundry detergents for spotless results on the toughest stains. In liquid, single-dose, and powder form, BASF ingredients help you remove ground-in dirt, keep your whites white and your clothes looking new for longer, and work effectively at temperatures as low as 20 °C. Helping to make your laundry cooler and cleaner.  

Did you know that the ingredients in your detergents or dishwasher tabs could help reduce CO₂ emissions? Many ingredients in everyday products can be derived from fossil fuels, such as crude oil and natural gas, or from renewables. Now, in a joint commitment with Henkel, BASF’s biomass balance concept is being used to increase the amount of renewable raw materials used in the manufacture of ingredients for their laundry and home care products, as well as their hair and body care products. 

The four-year collaboration will increase the amount of renewable raw materials used to manufacture ingredients for products from Henkel’s core consumer brands such as Somat, Perwoll, Schauma, Gliss, Syoss, Fa and Persil. Compared to conventional ingredients, the renewable-based ingredients will reduce around 200,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.

The process substitutes fossil-based raw materials in BASF’s production chain with the equivalent amount of renewable feedstocks, such as bio-naphtha and biomethane produced from organic waste such as leftover food, vegetable oils, agricultural waste and crops. The renewable feedstocks are then attributed via the biomass balance approach to a wide range of BASF products, including superabsorbents, dispersions, plastics, surfactants and intermediates. This approach helps protect the environment without compromising on the high-quality our customers and consumers expect.   

Silicone is used as an ingredient in many skin care, hair care, and color cosmetic products such as water-resistant sunscreens and shampoos for shiny hair. However, it can clog pores, block essential oils, and its rinse-off particles inevitably end up in wastewater.   

To address these challenges and meet the consumer trend for ‘clean beauty’, BASF has developed a range of alternative ingredients solutions to traditional silicones which provide great performance while maintaining environmental integrity. These silicone alternatives are made from renewable raw materials, which can also help to reduce the carbon footprint of skin care formulations.  

Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our soils and waters, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. Consumers are demanding products free from ingredients that have a negative impact on the environment. But at the same time, they still expect outstanding performance. Biopolymers can offer a sustainable alternative to this challenge.  

To address the issue of plastic pollution, BASF is developing a range of bio-based and biodegradable ingredients for home and personal care products. These materials are derived from renewable resources and break down naturally, reducing microplastics and greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, while offering comparable performance to traditional ingredients. 

BASF biopolymers offer a sustainable alternative to surfactants and polymers in everyday products such as detergents, soaps, and shampoos. When these products reach wastewater treatment plants, activated sludge microbes—naturally present in soil and compost—break down the biopolymers completely into CO₂, water, biomass, and minerals. This process ensures that fewer microplastics are released back into our water systems.