- Business
- BASF SE is a global chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. It operates across diverse industries providing core products and services including chemicals; plastics; performance products such as coatings, pigments, and functional polymers; industrial solutions including catalysts and construction chemicals; agricultural solutions encompassing fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and seed treatment products; nutrition and care ingredients; and oil and gas exploration and production. BASF manufactures a broad portfolio ranging from basic chemicals, intermediates, polyamides, biodegradable plastics, and electronic-grade chemicals to advanced crop protection products and coatings for various industrial applications.
Recent major company developments include BASF's acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in the Alsachimie joint venture, securing full operational control of the European polyamide 6.6 precursor production site in Chalampé, France, enhancing the company’s integration and supply reliability for polyamide products. BASF also launched a new world-scale hexamethylenediamine plant in France and expanded its black mass recycling plant operations in Germany, aligning with sustainability goals. The company signed long-term agreements securing raw material supplies, including a significant natural gas supply deal with Equinor, and accelerated its share buyback program starting November 2025. Additionally, BASF agreed to divest its Food and Health Performance Ingredients business to Louis Dreyfus Company in early 2025 as part of portfolio optimization and expanded its xarvio digital farming solutions globally.
BASF serves customers primarily in automotive, construction, agriculture, consumer goods, and industrial sectors, with a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The company continuously invests in research and development focused on sustainable chemical innovations and digital transformation to support green business transitions and customer productivity enhancements. These strategic expansions, divestitures, and new technology launches underscore BASF’s commitment to strengthening its chemical value chain leadership and sustainability agenda while optimizing its business portfolio.