The graphic shows a stylized infinity symbol representing the concept of a circular economy. The two loops of the infinity shape illustrate continuous material cycles, in which resources are kept in use and circulate over time. At the center of the infinity symbol, a diamond shape is positioned. This diamond represents the Make phase, i.e. the industrial production and processing stage. In this phase, different raw material sources – including fossil, recycled, or alternative feedstocks – are brought together and transformed into new materials or products. The central placement of the diamond highlights the key role of production within the circular economy. It connects both loops of the cycle and enables materials to be reintroduced into high-value applications. Overall, the graphic illustrates that the circular economy is not a linear process, but an integrated system in which the Make phase acts as a central and value-creating element.
Plastics & Rubber
Plastics Hub
MAKE - Targeting zero emissions by changing the way we make plastics

Plastics & Rubber

Reducing CO₂ emissions and building a circular, resilient plastics industry

The plastics industry is facing one of the biggest transformations of our time. It must reduce CO₂ emissions while strengthening resilience and security of supply and continue to meet high standards of performance and safety.

At BASF, we are actively shaping this transformation by systematically lowering the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of our plastics portfolio. We explore alternatives to fossil resources in chemical and plastics production to reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks. At the same time, we are promoting material solutions that are designed to be durable, circular and with reduced environmental impact.

Sustainable plastics: What it means

At BASF, sustainable plastics means reducing CO₂ emissions towards net zero by 2050 across the entire value chain – from raw materials and energy to production and end‑of‑life – while maintaining the performance and reliability customers expect.

Achieving this requires a shift away from linear, fossil‑based systems toward circular and resilient production models.

A chart showing three progressively larger CO₂ footprints for the stages of raw materials, integrated BASF production, and customer use.

Where CO₂ emissions really come from

CO₂ emissions in plastics do not originate from a single process step. They accumulate along the entire value chain – from raw material and energy sources to chemical production and end‑use applications.

Plastics will remain essential across industries. Significantly reducing CO₂ emissions requires changes to both the carbon source and the way carbon is managed across the system.  As long as plastics rely predominantly on fossil feedstocks in linear value chains, carbon is continuously extracted and released into the atmosphere. In addition, substantial CO2 reductions depend on lowering emissions from production itself, particularly through energy efficiency, integrated processes and the use of low-carbon energy.

Achieving meaningful CO₂ reduction therefore requires action across energy, raw materials and recycling -  and a shift away from linear, fossil‑based dependencies toward more circular and resilient systems that keep carbon in use for longer and lower overall emissions.

Wind park "Oersted" in the German North sea.
Solutions & Implementation
Reducing CO₂ emissions in plastics production requires action across feedstocks, energy, and recycling. BASF takes an integrated approach that combines these levers within existing production systems—enabling scalable and measurable progress.
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Learn more about how our business units are transforming plastics manufacturing.

Performance Materials

Plastic Additives

Monomers

Styrenic Foams

Plastecizers

While plastic waste is often visible, pellets from plastic production can also end up in the environment unintentionally. As a partner in the Operation Clean Sweep® initiative, BASF is helping to prevent the loss of plastic pellets.

Learn more about OCS

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