On the way to rethink plastics

Chemical recycling complements mechanical recycling and can be a more sustainable solution than incineration or landfill of plastic waste. It thus contributes to a circular economy and the responsible use of resources. An LCA study conducted by Sphera for BASF concludes that chemical recycling (pyrolysis) of mixed plastic waste emits 50% less CO2 than incineration of mixed plastic waste. 

We continue to rely on the mass balance approach in our production: many BASF value chains begin in synthesis gas plants or steam crackers.

Floating plastic bottles in the ocean, bags and fishing nets in the middle of the sea or carelessly disposed plastic products on the streets – almost everyone has seen the pictures. But pellets from plastic production also find their way into the environment. As partner of an initiative against pellet loss, BASF contributes to prevent this development.

For challenging E&E components, BASF has now developed the high-flow Ultrason® D 1010 G6 U40. The blend based on polyethersulfone (PESU) is optimized to meet special needs for easy injection molding of energy-efficient parts in data and energy transmission, smart electronics and e-mobility. Because of its excellent flowability at lower processing temperatures the new BASF thermoplastic gives manufacturers greater flexibility when designing sophisticated switches, circuit breakers and sensors as well as IGBTs and semi-conductor parts like burn-in test sockets. Ultrason® D 1010 G6 U40 shows stable electrical properties at elevated temperatures with a high relative thermal index (RTI) and a higher comparative tracking index (CTI) than polyetherimide (PEI) and polyphenylenesulfide (PPS).

BASF already offers thousands of products with reduced or even zero carbon footprint (PCF) in its broad portfolio.

Floating plastic bottles in the ocean, bags and fishing nets in the middle of the sea or carelessly disposed plastic products on the streets – almost everyone has seen the pictures. But pellets from plastic production also find their way into the environment. As partner of an initiative against pellet loss, BASF contributes to prevent this development.

Recycling plays an increasingly important role due to limited resources, growing sustainability requirements on the markets and regulatory developments.

All BASF's European production sites for engineering plastics, polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, polyurethane, thermoplastics polyurethanes, polyamides and specialty polymers are now certified by independent third parties according to the Operation Clean Sweep ^® (OCS) standard. "With the successful certification of the polyamide production in Antwerp, the final milestone of this important project has been reached. We are delighted with this great achievement together with all teams involved in the proper handling of plastic pellets," says Sophie Van Dyck, Vice President Operations Polyamides & Precursors Antwerp. In total, 16 production plants for plastic pellets were certified at six BASF production sites in Europe.

Ludwigshafen, Germany/Shanghai, China: BASF announced the start-up of the world’s first commercial loopamid^® plant. The production facility at the Caojing site in Shanghai, China, has an annual capacity of 500 metric tons and marks an important step in the supply of sustainable products for the textile industry. “The startup of this plant once again demonstrates BASF’s innovative strength,” said Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE. “As an integral part of our Winning Ways strategy, we utilize our chemistry to develop solutions for the biggest challenges of our time. loopamid transforms textile waste into a valuable resource, helps save raw materials and closes the textile loop.”