Performance Polymers
Driving Sustainability with BASF: A Customer-Centric Journey Towards Renewable Innovation
When it comes to sustainability and innovation, BASF’s Performance Materials division has set a new standard. As of January 1, 2025, the division has transitioned all its European production sites to run entirely on renewable electricity, marking a monumental shift towards sustainable operations.
For customers and partners throughout its value chain, this transformation represents much more than an environmental milestone—it reflects BASF's commitment to empowering their customers' green journeys.
A Commitment to Clean Energy
“As BASF, we want to enable our customers green transformation, and we believe it starts with us. This is our ambition and the goal of #OurPlasticsJourney,” said Martin Jung, President of BASF's Performance Materials division. “The use of electricity from renewable sources such as wind or solar is necessary to achieve our climate targets.”
This bold step includes transitioning the production of Engineering Plastics, Polyurethanes, and Thermoplastic Polyurethanes entirely to wind- and solar-generated electricity. Across nine European sites, this shift reduces carbon emissions not only at the production level but also throughout the supply chain.
Building a Greener Ecosystem
Beyond its own operations, BASF is driving sustainability in collaboration with its suppliers and customers. For example, BASF sources glass fibers for reinforced plastics from suppliers that use renewable energy, such as 3B Fibreglass, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of its materials.
The shift also extends to BASF’s internal processes. Innovations in green steam production and electrification of “Ludwigshafen, as the world’s largest integrated chemical complex, cannot switch completely to renewable electricity from one day to the next”, explained Senior Vice President Alexander Weiser of BASF Performance Materials Europe.
Furthermore, he elaborates that “our own combined cycle gas power plants produce electricity and process steam with a 95% efficiency at emissions far below the average grid level. The switch at this site has to be done gradually and we, at Performance Materials, are a leading part of this transformation.”
Pioneering Large-Scale Renewable Projects
To achieve these ambitious goals, BASF has heavily invested in renewable energy infrastructure. The Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm, launched in 2023 in partnership with Vattenfall, is one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms. Additionally, the Schwarzheide site in Germany now boasts a 24-megawatt solar capacity, supporting emission-free technologies across several production sites.
BASF’s innovation goes beyond energy sources. Through the mass balance approach, alternative raw materials are being integrated into production, creating new opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of plastics at every stage of their lifecycle.
Bold Climate Goals
BASF’s journey is part of a broader vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 (compared to 2018) and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. By optimizing raw material procurement, refining production processes, and adopting circular economy principles, BASF is reshaping the future of plastics.
For customers, this is more than a promise—it’s a partnership. BASF’s sustainable innovations provide tangible benefits, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact and deliver greener products to their end users.
Join #OurPlasticsJourney
BASF’s Performance Materials division is not just improving how plastics are made—it’s reimagining their entire lifecycle, from creation to reuse. The division’s global sales of €7.2 billion in 2023 reflect its role as a sustainability leader in transportation, consumer goods, construction, and industrial applications.
Whether you’re a manufacturer seeking sustainable materials or a company looking to align with greener values, BASF invites you to join the movement. Gain the latest insights by following us on LinkedIn at “BASF Performance Materials”.
Let’s build a future powered by chemistry and sustainability.
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