View source for BASF

{{Short description|German chemicals company}}
{{About|the German company|the French-owned company spun off from the BASF magnetic tape division|EMTEC|other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = BASF SE
| logo = BASF-Logo bw.svg
| logo_size = 205px
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{FWB|BAS|isin=DE000BASF111}}|[[DAX]] component}}
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|DE000BASF111}}
| industry = [[Chemical industry|Chemicals]]
| founder = [[Friedrich Engelhorn]]
| key_people = {{ubl|Jürgen Hambrecht <small>(chairman of the [[supervisory board]])</small>| Markus Kamieth (CEO)}}
| products = Chemicals, plastics, performance chemicals, [[catalyst]]s, [[coating]]s, [[Agricultural science|crop technology]], [[crude oil]] and natural gas [[Hydrocarbon exploration|exploration]] and production
| revenue = {{decrease}} {{€|68.9&nbsp;billion|link=yes}} (2023)<ref name="AR">{{cite web |url=https://report.basf.com/2023/en/_assets/downloads/10y-ten-year-summary-basf-ar23.pdf |title=BASF 10 year summary |access-date=3 June 2024 |publisher=BASF}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{decrease}} €2.24&nbsp;billion (2023)<ref name="AR" />
| net_income = {{increase}} €225&nbsp;million (2023)<ref name="AR" />
| assets = {{decrease}} €77.4&nbsp;billion (2023)<ref name="AR" />
| equity = {{decrease}} €36.6&nbsp;billion (2023)<ref name="AR"/>
| num_employees = {{increase}} 111,991 (end 2023)<ref name="AR"/>
| subsid = [[Wintershall]], Nunhems, TrinamiX, [[Cognis]], BTC Europe, Chemster, Siegfried PharmaChemikalien Minden, [[Verenium Corporation]], Isobionics, Succinity, Pinturas Thermicas del Norte
| foundation = {{start date and age|1865|04|6|df=yes}} (as Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik); [[Mannheim]], [[Grand Duchy of Baden|Baden]], Germany
| location = [[Ludwigshafen]], Germany
| homepage = {{URL|basf.com}}
}}

'''BASF SE''' ({{IPA|de|beːaːɛsˈʔɛf|audio=De-BASF.ogg}}), an [[initialism]] of its original name {{Langnf|de|'''Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik'''|Baden [[Aniline]] and Soda Factory}}, is a European [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] company and the [[List of largest chemical producers|largest chemical producer in the world]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basf.com/us/en/company/career/why-join-basf/basf-at-a-glance/basf-headquarters.html |title=BASF Headquarters |work=BASF |access-date=26 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602133724/https://www.basf.com/us/en/company/career/why-join-basf/basf-at-a-glance/basf-headquarters.html |archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-are-the-world-s-largest-chemical-producing-companies.html |title=Who Are The World's Largest Chemical Producing Companies? |work=World Atlas |access-date=25 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025190122/http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-are-the-world-s-largest-chemical-producing-companies.html |archive-date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/272704/top-10-chemical-companies-worldwide-based-on-revenue/ |title=Largest chemical companies worldwide based on revenue in 2017 (in billion U.S. dollars) |work=Statista |access-date=25 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185701/https://www.statista.com/statistics/272704/top-10-chemical-companies-worldwide-based-on-revenue/ |archive-date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Its headquarters are located in [[Ludwigshafen]], Germany.

BASF comprises [[subsidiary|subsidiaries]] and joint ventures in more than 80 countries, operating six integrated production sites and 390 other production sites across [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Australia]], the [[Americas]] and [[Africa]].<ref>https://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/about-basf/profile/index BASF website {{Dead link|date=June 2017|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> BASF has customers in over 190 countries and supplies products to a wide variety of industries. Despite its size and global presence, BASF has received relatively little public attention since it abandoned the manufacture and sale of BASF-branded [[consumer electronics]] products in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-15 |title=How gas rationing at Germany's BASF plant could plunge Europe into crisis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/15/gas-rationing-germany-basf-plant-europe-crisis |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

The company began as a dye manufacturer in 1865. [[Fritz Haber]] worked with [[Carl Bosch]], one of its employees, to invent the [[Haber-Bosch|Haber-Bosch process]] by 1912, after which the company grew rapidly. In 1925, the company merged with several other German chemical companies to become the chemicals conglomerate [[IG Farben]]. IG Farben would go on to play a major role in the [[economy of Nazi Germany]]. It extensively employed forced and [[Slavery|slave labor]] during the Nazi period, and produced the notorious [[Zyklon B]] chemical used in [[The Holocaust]]. IG Farben was disestablished by the Allies in 1945. BASF was reconstituted from the remnants of IG Farben in 1952. It was part of the [[German economic miracle]], and has since expanded considerably. It has received modern criticism for its poor environmental record.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

At the end of 2019, the company employed 117,628 people, with over 54,000 in Germany.<ref name="AR2019">{{cite web |url=http://report.basf.com/2019/en/servicepages/downloads/files/BASF_Report_2019.pdf |title=Annual Report 2019 |access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2019|alt=In 2019}}, BASF posted sales of €59.3&nbsp;billion and income from operations before special items of about €4.5&nbsp;billion. Between 1990 and 2005, the company invested €5.6&nbsp;billion in Asia, specifically in sites near [[Nanjing]], [[Shanghai]] and [[Zhanjiang]] in [[China]] and [[Mangalore]] in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Time savings at BASF |url=https://vjoon.com/resources/case-studies/basf/ |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=vjoon |language=en-US}}</ref> BASF is listed on the [[Frankfurt Stock Exchange]], [[London Stock Exchange]], and [[Zurich Stock Exchange]]. The company delisted its [[American depositary receipt|ADR]] from the [[New York Stock Exchange]] in September 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basf-listing-idUSL3039826320070730 |title=UPDATE 2-Germany's BASF says to delist from NYSE |date=30 July 2007 |work=Reuters |access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> The company is a component of the [[Euro Stoxx 50]] [[stock market index]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/en/equities/indices/euro+stoxx+50+EU0009658145/constituents |title=Börse Frankfurt (Frankfurt Stock Exchange): Stock market quotes, charts and news |access-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208093448/http://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/en/equities/indices/euro%20stoxx%2050%20EU0009658145/constituents |archive-date=8 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/europe-stocks/european-shares-drop-after-weak-basf-and-novartis-updates-idUSL8N12R3X920151027 |title=European shares drop after weak BASF and Novartis updates |work=Reuters |access-date=25 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185043/http://www.reuters.com/article/europe-stocks/european-shares-drop-after-weak-basf-and-novartis-updates-idUSL8N12R3X920151027 |archive-date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Basf 1865.jpg|thumb|BASF plant in [[Ludwigshafen]], 1865]]
BASF is an [[acronym]] for {{Langnf|de|Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik|Baden Aniline and Soda Factory}}. It was founded by [[Friedrich Engelhorn]] on 6 April 1865 in [[Mannheim]], in the German-speaking state of [[Grand Duchy of Baden|Baden]]. Engelhorn had been responsible for setting up a [[gasworks]] and street lighting for the town council in 1861. The gasworks produced [[tar]] as a by-product from coal, and Engelhorn used this to extract [[aniline]] for the production of [[dye]]s. BASF was set up in 1865, to produce other chemicals necessary for dye production, notably soda and acids. The plant, however, was erected on the other side of the [[Rhine]] river at [[Ludwigshafen]] because the town council of Mannheim was afraid that the air pollution from the chemical plant could bother the inhabitants of the town. In 1866, the dye production processes were also moved to the BASF site.<ref name=Ludewig>W. Ludewig (1966), ''Trans Inst Chem Engrs'' vol. 44, pp. 237–252, "Highlights in the History of BASF".</ref>

===Aniline dyes (1869)===
[[File:BASF Werk Ludwigshafen 1881.JPG|thumb|BASF plant in Ludwigshafen, 1881]]
The discovery in 1857 by [[William Henry Perkin]] that [[aniline]] could be used to make intense colouring agents had led to the commercial production of synthetic dyes in England from aniline extracted from coal tar. BASF recruited [[Heinrich Caro]], a German chemist with experience of the dyestuff industry in England, to be the first head of research.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.basf.com/en/company/about-us/history/1865-1901.html |title=1865–1901: The Birth of the Chemical Industry and the Era of Dyes |work=BASF |access-date=25 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313045138/https://www.basf.com/en/company/about-us/history/1865-1901.html |archive-date=13 March 2017}}</ref> Caro developed a synthesis for [[alizarin]] (a red dye used for dying textile fabrics) and applied for a British patent on 25 June 1869. Coincidentally, Perkin applied for a virtually identical patent on 26 June 1869, and the two companies came to a mutual commercial agreement about the process.<ref name=Ludewig/>

Further patents were granted for the synthesis of [[methylene blue]] and [[eosin]], and in 1880, research began to try to find a synthetic process for [[indigo dye]], though this was not successfully brought to the market until 1897. In 1901, some 80% of the BASF production was dyestuffs.<ref name=Ludewig/>

===Solvay process soda (1880)===
[[File:Hauptlaboratorium BASF 1887.jpg|thumb|BASF main laboratory in Ludwigshafen, 1887]]
[[Sodium carbonate]] (soda) was produced by the [[Leblanc process]] until 1880, when the much cheaper [[Solvay process]] became available. BASF ceased to make its own and bought it from the [[Solvay (company)|Solvay company]] thereafter.<ref name=Ludewig/>

===Knietsch sulfuric acid (1890)===
[[File:Indigoproduktion BASF 1890.JPG|thumb|Indigo production at BASF in 1890]]
[[Sulfuric acid]] was initially produced by the [[lead chamber process]], but in 1890, a unit using the [[contact process]] was brought on stream, producing the acid at higher concentration (98% instead of 80%) and a lower cost. This development followed extensive research and development by Rudolf Knietsch, for which he received the [[Liebig Medal]] in 1904.<ref name=Ludewig/>

===Haber's ammonia (1913)===
The development of the [[Haber process]] from 1908 to 1912, made it possible to synthesize [[ammonia]] (a major industrial chemical as the primary source of nitrogen), and, after acquiring exclusive rights to the process, in 1913, BASF started a new production plant in [[Ludwigshafen-Oppau#Oppau|Oppau]], adding [[fertilizer]]s to its product range. BASF also acquired and began mining [[anhydrite]] for [[gypsum]] at the [[Kohnstein]] in 1917.<ref name=Ordway>{{cite book |last=Ordway |first=Frederick I III |author2=Sharpe, Mitchell R |title=The Rocket Team |series=Apogee Books Space Series 36 |year=1979 |pages=75, 76, 79, 88}}</ref>

===WWI===
In 1916, BASF started operations at a [[Leuna works|new site in Leuna]], where [[explosive]]s were produced during the [[First World War]]. On 21 September 1921, an explosion occurred in [[Ludwigshafen-Oppau#Oppau|Oppau]], killing 565 people. The [[Oppau explosion]] was the biggest industrial accident in German history.

===IG Farben (1921)===
[[File:Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik 2 Pfennig Gutschein.tiff|thumb|right|[[Company scrip]] from Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik, 2 Pfennig Gutschein, ca. 1918]]
Under the leadership of [[Carl Bosch]], BASF founded [[IG Farben]] with [[Hoechst AG|Hoechst]], [[Bayer AG|Bayer]], and three other companies, thus losing its independence. BASF was the nominal survivor, as all shares were exchanged for BASF shares before the merger. Rubber, [[fuel]]s, and [[coating]]s were added to the range of products.

In 1935, IG Farben and [[AEG (German company)|AEG]] presented the [[magnetophon]]&nbsp;– the first [[tape recorder]]&nbsp;– at the [[Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin|Radio Exhibition]] in Berlin.<ref name="CHM">{{cite web |title=1935: Audio recorder uses low-cost magnetic tape |website=Computer History Museum |url=https://www.computerhistory.org/storageengine/audio-recorder-uses-low-cost-magnetic-tape/ |access-date=12 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="
Magnetic Audio Tape">{{cite web | title=1934 - Magnetic Audio Tape |website=BASF |url=https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/history/chronology/1925-1944/1934.html |access-date=12 May 2024}}</ref>

===World War II===
After the appointment of [[Adolf Hitler]] as Chancellor in 1933, [[IG Farben]] cooperated with the [[Nazi Germany|National Socialist government]], profiting from guaranteed volumes and prices and, in time, from [[Forced labour|forced ("unfree") labour]] provided through governmental [[Nazi concentration camps|concentration camps]]. BASF (leader of the chemical industry of the IG Farben) built a 24&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> chemical factory in Auschwitz named "IG Auschwitz", the largest chemical factory in the world at the time. IG Farben became notorious through its production of [[Zyklon-B]], the lethal gas used to kill prisoners in German extermination camps during the [[Holocaust]].<ref>{{cite journal |date=17 September 2001 |title=IG Farben to be dissolved |journal=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1549092.stm |access-date=9 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206160327/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1549092.stm |archive-date=6 February 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

IG Farben made extensive use of forced labor during WWII consisting mostly of drafted "service-duty" Germans, foreign workers from German-occupied territories, and prisoners of war. By 1943, nearly one-half of all IG Farben workers were forced laborers housed in factory-camp facilities. This number did not include the 51,445 concentration camp laborers supplied by the Nazis. Spread out over 23 facilities, it is estimated that 31,500{{Endash}}33,500 of those concentration camp inmates were killed by authorities or died from starvation, exhaustion, or disease.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wollheim-memorial.de/en/zwangsarbeit_en |title=Wollheim Memorial}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zuppi |first=Alberto |date=2006-02-01 |title=Slave Labor in Nuremberg's I.G. Farben Case: The Lonely Voice of Paul M. Hebert |url=https://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/lalrev/vol66/iss2/5 |journal=Louisiana Law Review |volume=66 |issue=2}}</ref>

The Ludwigshafen site was almost completely destroyed during the [[Second World War]] but was subsequently rebuilt. The [[Allies of World War II|allies]] dissolved IG Farben in November 1945.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Both the Ludwigshafen and Oppau plants were of strategic importance for the war because the German military needed many of their products (''e.g.'', synthetic rubber and gasoline). As a result, they were major targets for air raids. During the war, Allied bombers attacked the plants a total of 65 times.

[[Bombing of Ludwigshafen and Oppau in World War II|Bombing]] took place from the autumn of 1943 and saturation bombing inflicted extensive damage. Production virtually stopped by the end of 1944.

Due to a shortage of male workers during the war, women were [[conscript]]ed to work in the factories, joined later by [[prisoners of war]] and foreign civilians. Concentration camp inmates did not work at the Ludwigshafen and Oppau plants.

In July 1945, the American military administration confiscated all IG Farben assets. That same year, the Allied Commission decreed that IG Farben should be dissolved. The sites at Ludwigshafen and Oppau were controlled by French authorities.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

===BASF refounded (1952)===
On 28 July&nbsp;1948, an explosion occurred at a BASF site in [[Ludwigshafen]], killing 207 people and injuring 3818.<ref>[[:de:Kesselwagenexplosion in der BASF]]{{Circular reference|date=March 2019}}</ref> In 1952, BASF was refounded under its name following the efforts of former [[Nazi Party]] member [[Carl Wurster]], who served in [[Nazi Germany]] as ''[[Wehrwirtschaftsführer]]'' (war economy leader). With the [[German economic miracle]] in the 1950s, BASF added synthetics such as nylon to its product range. BASF developed [[Polystyrene]] in the 1930s and invented Styropor in 1951.

===Post-WW2 20th century===
In the 1960s, production abroad was expanded and plants were built in [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[France]], [[India]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], [[Spain]], [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]]. Following a change in corporate strategy in 1965, greater emphasis was placed on higher-value products such as coatings, [[pharmaceutical]]s, [[pesticides]] and fertilizers. Following [[German reunification]], BASF acquired a site in [[Schwarzheide]], [[Eastern germany|Eastern Germany]], on 25 October&nbsp;1990.

In 1968, BASF (together with [[Bayer AG]]) bought the German coatings company [[Herbol]]. BASF completely took over the Herbol branches in [[Cologne]] and [[Würzburg]] in 1970. Under new management, the renewal and expansion of the trademark continued. After an extensive reorganisation and an increasing international orientation of the coatings business, Herbol became part of the new founded Deco GmbH in 1997.

BASF bought the Wyandotte Chemical Company, and its Geismar, Louisiana chemical plant in the early 1970s.<ref name="auto">Richard Leonard and Zack Nauth. 1990. [https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1156&context=lrr Beating BASF: OCAW Busts Union-Buster] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141359/https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1156&context=lrr |date=12 June 2018 }}. ''Labor Research Review'' 1(16): 39–49.</ref> The plant produced plastics, herbicides, and antifreeze. BASF soon tried to operate union-free, having already reduced or eliminated union membership in several other US plants. Challenging the Geismar OCAW union resulted in a labor dispute that saw members locked out from 1984 to 1989, and eventually winning their case. A worker solidarity committee at BASF's headquarters plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, took donations from German workers to support the American strikers and organized rallies and publicity in support. The dispute was the subject of an academic study.<ref>Timothy J. Minchin. 2003. ''Forging a Common Bond: Labor and Environmental Activism during the BASF Lockout''. University of Florida Press.</ref> The union also exposed major accidental releases of phosgene, toluene and other toxic gases, these being publicized in the local media and through a video, ''Out of Control''.<ref name="auto"/><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/RwDcbq0tMCc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200413143534/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwDcbq0tMCc&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwDcbq0tMCc |title=Out of Control OCAW 1990 |last=markdcatlin |date=28 April 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A court threw out a $66,700 fine against BASF for five environmental violations as "too small".<ref name="auto"/>

BASF's European coatings business was taken over by [[AkzoNobel]] in 1999.

===21st century===
BASF bought the [[Engelhard]] Corporation for $4.8&nbsp;billion in 2006. Other acquisitions in 2006, were the purchase of Johnson Polymer and the construction chemicals business of [[Degussa]].

The acquisition of Johnson Polymer was completed on 1 July 2006. The purchase price was $470&nbsp;million on a cash and debt-free basis. It provided BASF with a range of water-based [[resin]]s that complements its portfolio of high solids and UV resins for the coatings and paints industry and strengthened the company's market presence, particularly in North America.
[[File:CWRYBASF.JPG|thumb|200px|right|BASF Portsmouth Site in the West Norfolk area of [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], United States. The plant is served by the [[Commonwealth Railway]].]]

The acquisition of Degussa AG's construction chemicals business was completed in 2006. The purchase price for equity was about €2.2&nbsp;billion. In addition, the transaction was associated with a debt of €500&nbsp;million.

The company agreed to acquire [[Ciba Specialty Chemicals|Ciba]] (formerly part of [[Novartis|Ciba-Geigy]]) in September 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-ciba-basf-idUKLF63993220080915 |title=BASF bids $3 bln for Switzerland's Ciba |last=Kuehnen |first=Eva |date=15 September 2008 |work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=15 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520235445/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2008/09/15/us-ciba-basf-idUKLF63993220080915 |archive-date=20 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The proposed deal was reviewed by the [[European Commissioner for Competition]]. On 9 April 2009, the acquisition was officially completed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSPRWP1420090306 |title=EU mergers and takeovers (March 6) |date=6 March 2009 |work=Reuters |access-date=6 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211052429/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/03/06/idUSPRWP1420090306 |archive-date=11 February 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-02-25 |title=BASF sees Ciba integration largely completed in Q2 |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basf-ciba-idUSFAB01544920100225 |access-date=2023-01-20}}</ref>

On 19 December 2008, BASF acquired U.S.-based Whitmire Micro-Gen together with U.K.-based Sorex Ltd.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pctonline.com/article/basf-acquires-sorex-pest-control-business--deal-includes-whitmire-micro-gen/ |title=BASF Acquires Sorex Pest Control Business; Deal Includes Whitmire Micro-Gen |website=PCT – Pest Control Technology |access-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830132349/https://www.pctonline.com/article/basf-acquires-sorex-pest-control-business--deal-includes-whitmire-micro-gen/ |archive-date=30 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sorex is a manufacturer of branded chemical and non-chemical products for professional pest management. In March 2007 Sorex was put up for sale with a price tag of about £100&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-press-sunday-idUSL1827372620070318 |title=British business press |at=Rat Poisoner Sorex is For Sale |date=18 March 2007 |agency=Reuters |access-date=2 October 2009 |work=[[Financial Mail]]|location=South Africa |via=Reuters Press Digest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512010220/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/03/18/britain-press-sunday-idUSL1827372620070318 |archive-date=12 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2010, BASF completed the acquisition of [[Cognis]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/basf-acquires-cognis-in-3-8-billion-deal/ |title=BASF Acquires Cognis in $3.8 Billion Deal |date=23 June 2010 |work=[[New York Times]]|access-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830130845/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/basf-acquires-cognis-in-3-8-billion-deal/ |archive-date=30 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2015, BASF agreed to sell parts of its pharmaceutical ingredients business to Swiss drug manufacturer Siegfried Holding for a fee of €270&nbsp;million, including assumed debt.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ludwig Burger |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-basfingredients-m-a-siegfried-idUSKBN0NS0CD20150507 |title=Siegfried buys BASF drug ingredient businesses for $306 million |work=Reuters |date=7 May 2015 |access-date=7 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510081107/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/07/us-basfingredients-m-a-siegfried-idUSKBN0NS0CD20150507 |archive-date=10 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2016, BASF has partnered with a subsidiary of [[Xinjiang Zhongtai Group]], a company sanctioned under the [[Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act]], to operate a plant in [[Korla]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2023 |title=Report: German company's Xinjiang partner linked to Chinese forced labor |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/german-report-korla-11172023142714.html |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=[[Radio Free Asia]] |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, BASF announced it would buy seed and herbicide businesses from [[Bayer]] for €5.9&nbsp;billion ($7&nbsp;billion), as part of Bayer's acquisition of [[Monsanto]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-to-sell-assets-to-basf-for-7-billion-subject-to-monsanto-acquisition-1507877275 |title=Bayer to Sell Assets to BASF for $7 Billion Amid Scrutiny of Monsanto Megadeal |last1=Shevlin |first1=Anthony |date=13 October 2017 |work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=5 June 2018 |last2=Drozdiak |first2=Natalia |issn=0099-9660 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619214200/https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-to-sell-assets-to-basf-for-7-billion-subject-to-monsanto-acquisition-1507877275 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-competition-bureau-asks-bayer-to-divest-some-canadian-assets-to-win/ |title=Competition Bureau asks Bayer to divest some Canadian assets to win Monsanto deal approval |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=5 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326054751/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-competition-bureau-asks-bayer-to-divest-some-canadian-assets-to-win/ |archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The company announced the start of a US$10&nbsp;billion investment project in the south-western Chinese city of [[Zhanjiang]], in November 2019. The project was approved in 2022.<ref name="ethbasf1">{{cite news |url=https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/basf-approves-investment-in-10bn-world-scale-chinese-chemicals-complex/ |title=BASF approves investment in €10bn world-scale Chinese chemicals complex }}</ref> This ″Verbund″ site is intended for the production of engineering plastics and TPU. The site would be the third-largest BASF site worldwide, following Ludwigshafen, Germany, and [[Antwerp]], Belgium. The first plant started up in 2022, and the entire site is expected to be completed by 2030.<ref>[https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/23/WS5dd8d9d9a310cf3e355797b4.html Construction starts on BASF's Zhanjiang smart project] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124162533/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/23/WS5dd8d9d9a310cf3e355797b4.html |date=24 November 2019}}, Chinadaily.com 23 November 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2023.</ref><ref name="sinobasf1">{{cite news |url=https://www.basf.com/tw/en/who-we-are/organization/locations/asia-pacific/our-engagement-in-china.html#:~:text=The%20total%20investment%20is%20up,both%20in%20China%20and%20globally. |publisher=BASF |title=Our engagement in China }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=BASF inaugurates the first plant of its new Zhanjiang Verbund site |url=https://www.basf.com/sg/en/media/news-releases/cn/2022/09/BASF_first_plant_Zhanjiang_Verbund_site.html |access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Ludwigshafen Friedrich-Engelhorn-Hochhaus 20100709.jpg|thumb|upright|Former BASF headquarters building in Ludwigshafen]]

In August 2019, BASF agreed to sell its global pigments business to Japanese fine chemical company [[DIC Corporation|DIC]] for €1.15&nbsp;billion ($1.28&nbsp;billion) on a cash and debt-free basis.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-29/japan-s-dic-corp-to-buy-basf-s-pigments-unit-for-1-1-billion |title=Japan's DIC Corp. to Buy BASF's Pigments Unit for $1.1 Billion |last=Sutherland |first=Jeff |date=29 August 2019 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830125059/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-29/japan-s-dic-corp-to-buy-basf-s-pigments-unit-for-1-1-billion |archive-date=30 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2019, BASF signed an agreement with DuPont Safety & Construction, a subsidiary business unit of [[DuPont]], to sell its ultrafiltration membrane business, Inge GmbH.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/dupont-buys-basf-water-filtration-unit-germany-20190923.html |title=Wet future: Streamlined DuPont is buying again, adds BASF water |last=DiStefano |first=Joseph N. |website=inquirer.com |date=23 September 2019 |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924154121/https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/dupont-buys-basf-water-filtration-unit-germany-20190923.html |archive-date=24 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to BASF executives, Inge GmbH and its products fit better with DuPont and their business strategy.<ref name=":0" />

In February 2023, BASF announced that the company is planning to close one of its two ammonia factories at its site in Ludwigshafen, this comes as part of the companies plans to cut costs as the organisation has struggled with high energy costs. The result of the organisations plans will lead to increased production in China while resulting in the loss of 2,600 jobs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-24 |title=BASF outlines further cost-cutting and 2,600 job losses as it downsizes in Germany |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b0b2b2c2-ee63-4989-afab-6882feab4b73 |access-date=2023-02-24}}</ref> The Zhanjiang plant extends over 400 hectares and serves mainly the electronic industry and the automotive industry.<ref name="cgtn1">{{cite news |url=https://news.cg-tn.com/news/2022-11-04/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDY5MjI1/index.html}}</ref> In September 2023 BASF broke ground on its Zhanjiang [[syngas]] plant; the plant was due to be commissioned by 2025.<ref name="synbasf1">{{cite news |url=https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2023/09/p-23-295.html |title=BASF breaks ground on syngas plant at Zhanjiang Verbund site in China }}</ref> In November 2023 the firm closed a $5bn 15-year investment deal in China, with Chinese banks.<ref name="sinobasf2">{{cite news |url=https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2023/11/p-23-366.html |publisher=BASF |title=BASF signs CNY 40 billion syndicated bank term loan facility with maturity of 15 years for its Verbund site in Zhanjiang, China }}</ref>

As of April 2023, BASF had 30 production facilities in China. CEO [[Martin Brudermüller]] held that Chinese revenue is essential to grow his European business in the face of "Europe’s high energy costs and stringent environmental rules."<ref name="nyta17">{{cite news |last1=Eddy |first1=Melissa |title=As US tries to isolate China, German companies move closer |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/trade/exports/insights/as-us-tries-to-isolate-china-german-companies-move-closer/articleshow/99547315.cms |agency=New York Times |publisher=Economic Times |date=17 April 2023}}</ref>

==Past activity==
With the help of then German Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]], BASF's [[Jürgen Hambrecht]] signed the [[Gazprom]] [[Nord Stream]]-[[Yuzhno-Russkoye]] deal in 2004 with a 49-51 structure, as opposed to the older 50-50 split of for example [[BP]]'s [[TNK-BP]] project.<ref name=balzer05>Harley Balzer, "The Putin Thesis and Russian Energy Policy" Post-Soviet Affairs, 2005, 21, 3, pp. 210–225.</ref><ref name="dwd24">{{cite news |title=Russia's energy empire: Putin and the rise of Gazprom |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akihe-AtpW8 |agency=YouTube |publisher=DW Documentary |date=3 February 2024}}</ref> Putin at the time insisted on majority Russian ownership of any joint-venture in Russian territory since that time.<ref name=balzer05/>

BASF expanded to [[Podolsk]], [[Russia]], in 2012, and to [[Kazan]] in 2013.<ref name="russia">{{cite web |url=http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-13-439 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130921225859/http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-13-439 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |title=BASF opens production facility for concrete admixtures in Kazan, Russia |publisher=BASF |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=21 September 2013}}</ref>

==Notable lawsuit==
===Dicamba lawsuit===
On 27 January 2020, the first-ever lawsuit concerning [[Dicamba]]-related products began in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/dicamba-related-federal-trial-begins-southeast-missouri |title=Dicamba-Related Federal Trial Begins In Southeast Missouri |first=Corinne |last=Ruff |website=news.stlpublicradio.org |date=28 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kduz.com/2020/01/27/bayer-basf-dicamba-lawsuit/ |title=Bayer/BASF-Dicamba Lawsuit &#124; KDUZ|date=27 January 2020 }}</ref> The lawsuit involves a peach farmer who alleged that Dicamba-based herbicides caused significant damage to his crops and trees.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/monsanto-s-defense-fungal-disease-not-dicamba-to-blame-for-peach-farmer-s-problems/article_ff86fdd7-b842-5902-abde-966627cc1cc0.html |title=Monsanto's defense: Fungal disease, not dicamba, to blame for peach farmer's problems |first=Johnathan |last=Hettinger |agency=Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting |website=STLtoday.com|date=11 February 2020 }}</ref> It had also been filed in November 2016, when Dicamba was still owned by Monsanto.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/dicamba-on-trial-monsanto-officials-limited-testing-on-their-own-plots/article_8ec11fa7-8379-58db-a010-eb130ad7fb2d.html |title=Dicamba on trial: Monsanto officials limited testing on their own plots |first=Johnathan |last=Hettinger |agency=Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting |website=STLtoday.com|date=31 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/dicamba-goes-trial-history-behind-monsanto-s-friendship-wilting-weed-killer |title=Dicamba Goes On Trial: The History Behind Monsanto's Friendship-Wilting Weed Killer |first=Corinne |last=Ruff |website=news.stlpublicradio.org |date=24 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/peach-farmer-takes-stand-in-lawsuit-against-bayer-basf/article_91cb9a65-69fa-514e-8922-3972a51b23ee.html |title=Peach farmer takes stand in lawsuit against Bayer, BASF |first=Johnathan |last=Hettinger |agency=Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting |website=STLtoday.com|date=4 February 2020 }}</ref> On 14 February 2020, the jury involved in the lawsuit ruled against BASF and its co-defendant [[Bayer]], which had acquired [[Monsanto]] and its products, and found in favor of the peach grower, Bader Farms owner Bill Bader.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/jury-finds-in-favor-of-missouri-peach-grower-in-lawsuit-against-bayer-basf/article_adcb9979-ca3e-557b-878e-7be4e301adbc.html |title=Jury finds in favor of Missouri peach grower in lawsuit against Bayer, BASF |first=Bryce |last=Gray |website=STLtoday.com|date=14 February 2020 }}</ref> BASF and Bayer were also ordered to pay Bader $15&nbsp;million in damages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-14/bayer-ordered-to-pay-15-million-over-dicamba-crop-damage |title=Bayer's Dicamba Hit Tests Patience of Frustrated Investors |first1=Jef |last1=Feeley |first2=Tim |last2=Bross |first3=Tim |last3=Loh |orig-date=14 February 2020 |date=17 February 2020 |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2021-11-23}}</ref> On 15 February 2020, Monsanto and BASF were ordered to pay an additional $250 million in punitive damages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/monsanto-basf-will-pay-250-million-punitive-damages-first-dicamba-trial |title=Monsanto, BASF Will Pay $250 Million In Punitive Damages In First Dicamba Trial |first=Corinne |last=Ruff |website=news.stlpublicradio.org |date=15 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/15/business/bc-us-dicamba-lawsuit-missouri.html |title=Missouri Farm Awarded $265M in Suit Against BASF and Bayer |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=February 15, 2020 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215204348/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/15/business/bc-us-dicamba-lawsuit-missouri.html}}</ref>

== Finances ==
For the fiscal year 2017, BASF reported earnings of €6.1 billion, with an annual revenue of €64.5 billion, an increase of 12% over the previous fiscal cycle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wallstreet-online.de/aktien/basf-aktie/bilanz |title=BASF Bilanz, Gewinn und Umsatz {{!}} BASF Geschäftsbericht {{!}} BASF11 |website=wallstreet-online.de |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160836/https://www.wallstreet-online.de/aktien/basf-aktie/bilanz |archive-date=5 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> BASF's shares traded at over €69 per share, and its market capitalization was valued at €63.7&nbsp;billion in November 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BAS.DE/key-statistics?p=BAS.DE&.tsrc=fin-srch |title=BAS.DE Key Statistics {{!}} BASF SE NA O.N. Stock – Yahoo Finance |publisher=Yahoo! Finance |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202526/https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BAS.DE/key-statistics?p=BAS.DE&.tsrc=fin-srch |archive-date=5 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2019, BASF reported a drop of operating income for July to September amounting to 24 percent, along with a drop in EBIT earnings of €1.1&nbsp;billion ($1.2&nbsp;billion).<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basf-results-idUSL5N279157 |title=UPDATE 1-BASF operating profit dives 24% as trade disputes weigh |date=24 October 2019 |work=Reuters |access-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107093744/https://www.reuters.com/article/basf-results-idUSL5N279157 |archive-date=7 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[China–United States trade war|US–China trade war]] as well as uncertainties related to [[Brexit]] were identified as contributing factors.<ref name=":1" /> However, overall third quarter profit beat expectations as the acquisition of [[Bayer AG]]'s [[agrochemical]] and [[seed]] business help to offset some of the effects of the trade war.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-24/basf-beats-estimates-as-agriculture-sales-help-offset-slowdown |title=BASF Beats Estimates as Farming Helps Offset Trade-War Pain |last=Noel |first=Andrew MArc |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=24 October 2019 |agency=Bloomberg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107094316/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-24/basf-beats-estimates-as-agriculture-sales-help-offset-slowdown |archive-date=7 November 2019}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;"
|-
!Year
!Revenue<br />in bn. €
!Net income<br />in bn. €
!Total assets<br />in bn. €
!Employees
|-
|2013
|73.973
|4.842
|64.382
|112,206
|-
|2014
|74.326
|5.155
|71.359
|113,292
|-
|2015
|70.449
|3.987
|70.836
|112,435
|-
|2016
|57.550
|4.056
|76.496
|113,830
|-
|2017
|61.223
|6.078
|78.768
|115,490
|-
|2018
|62.675
|4.707
|86.556
|122,404
|-
|2019
|59.316
|8.421
|86.950
|117,628
|-
|2020
|59.149
|−1.060
|80.292
|110,302
|-
|2021
|78.598
|5.523
|87.383
|111,047
|-
|2022
|87.327
|−0.627
|84.472
|111,481
|-
|2023
|68.902
|0.225
|77.395
|111,991
|}

==Business segments and leadership==
[[File:BASF erleben Tor2.jpg|thumb|BASF visitor center, Ludwigshafen, Germany]]

BASF operates in a variety of markets. As of 2020 its business is organized in the segments of Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solutions, Agricultural Solutions, and Oil and Gas.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

===Chemicals===
BASF produces a wide range of chemicals such as solvents, amines, resins, glues, electronic-grade chemicals, [[industrial gas]]es, basic petrochemicals, and inorganic chemicals (such as [[Z-Cote]]). The most important customers for this segment are the pharmaceutical, construction, textile, and automotive industries.

===Plastics===
BASF's plastic products include high-performance materials in [[thermoplastics]], foams, and urethanes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plasticsportal.com |title=BASF Plastics Portal – Global Homepage |access-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119033549/http://www.plasticsportal.com/ |archive-date=19 November 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Engineering Plastics'''<br />BASF's Engineering Plastics consists of the "4 Ultras" – Ultramid [[polyamide]] (PA) nylon-based resins, Ultradur, [[polybutylene terephthalate]] (PBT), Ultraform, [[polyacetal]] (POM), and Ultrason, [[polysulfone]] (PSU) and [[polyethersulfone]] (PES).

'''Styrenics'''<br />BASF Styrenics consists of the Foams and Copolymers. BASF's [[polystyrene|styrenic copolymers]] have applications in electronics, building and construction, and automotive components. In 2011 BASF and [[INEOS]] blended their global business activities in the fields of [[styrene]] monomers (SM), [[polystyrene]] (PS), [[acrylonitrile butadiene styrene]] (ABS), styrene butadiene copolymers (SBC) and other styrene-based [[copolymers]] (SAN, AMSAN, ASA, MABS) into a joint venture named [[Styrolution]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interpack.com/cipp/md_interpack/custom/pub/content,oid,16520/lang,2/ticket,g_u_e_s_t/~/EU_Commission_approves_formation_of_joint_venture_Styrolution.html |title=EU Commission approves formation of joint venture Styrolution |date=13 June 2011 |website=Messe Düsseldorf GmbH |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515024752/http://www.interpack.com/cipp/md_interpack/custom/pub/content%2Coid%2C16520/lang%2C2/ticket%2Cg_u_e_s_t/~/EU_Commission_approves_formation_of_joint_venture_Styrolution.html |archive-date=15 May 2012 |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref>

'''Polyurethanes'''<br />BASF's [[Polyurethane]]s business consists of diverse technologies and finished products. Urethane chemicals are raw materials used in rigid and flexible foams commonly used for insulation in the construction and appliance industries, furniture, packaging, and transportation.

'''Foams'''<br />Foams like Styropor are generally used as insulating materials. They are eco-efficient and offer advantages over other materials in terms of cost-effectiveness, preservation of resources and environmental protection. Investments made for insulating materials usually pay for themselves within a short time and contribute to retaining and even enhancing the value of buildings.

'''Polyamides and Intermediates'''<br />BASF manufactures polyamide precursors and [[polyamide]].

'''Biodegradable plastics'''<br />BASF developed a [[biodegradable plastic]] with a high content of [[polylactic acid]].{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Performance products===
BASF produces a range of performance chemicals, [[coatings]] and [[functional polymers]]. These include raw materials for detergents, textile and leather chemicals, pigments and raw materials for adhesives, [[paper chemicals]]. Customers are the automotive, oil, paper, packaging, textile, sanitary products, detergents, construction materials, coatings, printing, and leather industries.

===Functional Solutions===
[[File:BASF-sponsored Museum for Laquerware Münster.jpg|thumb|BASF-sponsored Museum for Laquerware in [[Münster]], Germany]]
[[File:LudwigshafenBASF2017-07-29-12-44-06.jpg|thumb|BASF in Ludwigshafen]]
BASF's Functional Solutions segment consists of the Catalysts, Construction Chemicals and Coatings divisions. These divisions develop customer-specific products, in particular for the automotive and construction industries.

===Agricultural===
BASF supplies agricultural products and chemicals including [[fungicides]], [[herbicides]], [[insecticides]] and seed treatment products.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Tan, S |author2=Evans, RR |author3=Dahmer, ML |author4=Singh, BK |author5=Shaner, DL |title=Imidazolinone-tolerant crops: history, current status and future. |work=Pest Management Science |date=March 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Major Products: Welcome to BASF Crop Protection |url=http://www.agro.basf.com/agr/AP-Internet/en/content/solutions/index}}</ref> The company also researches [[nutrigenomics]].<ref name=ydtyg>{{cite web |author=Wallace, Helen |title=Your Diet Tailored to Your Genes: Preventing Diseases or Misleading Marketing? |publisher=GeneWatch UK |date=January 2006 |url=http://www.genewatch.org/uploads/f03c6d66a9b354535738483c1c3d49e4/Nutrigenomics.pdf |access-date =9 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530005436/http://www.genewatch.org/uploads/f03c6d66a9b354535738483c1c3d49e4/Nutrigenomics.pdf |archive-date=30 May 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> BASF opened a new crop protection technology center in Limburgerhof, Germany in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BASF opens crop protection technology center in Germany |url=http://www.worldofchemicals.com/media/basf-opens-crop-protection-technology-center-in-germany/10478.html |publisher=[[WorldOfChemicals]] |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=23 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923173951/http://www.worldofchemicals.com/media/basf-opens-crop-protection-technology-center-in-germany/10478.html |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Biotechnology===
BASF was cooperating with [[Monsanto Company]] in research, development and marketing of biotechnology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.corporate.basf.com/de/investor/veranstaltungen/termine/070321_interview.htm?id=V00-Eq3z_CNjlbcp.*0 |title=BASF-Gruppe: Interview Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht zur Zusammenarbeit mit Monsanto |author=BASF SE |access-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124043448/http://www.corporate.basf.com/de/investor/veranstaltungen/termine/070321_interview.htm?id=V00-Eq3z_CNjlbcp.*0 |archive-date=24 November 2012}}</ref> In correlation to this work, BASF has licensed many gene editing tools including [[CRISPR]] [[Cas9]] and CRISPR [[Cas12a|Cas12a (Cpf1)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basf.com/us/en/media/news-releases/2017/03/P-US-17-026.html |title=BASF licenses CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology from the Broad Institute |access-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729235711/https://www.basf.com/us/en/media/news-releases/2017/03/P-US-17-026.html |archive-date=29 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2018/10/p-IR-181024.html |title=BASF licenses CRISPR-Cpf1 genome editing technology from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard |access-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729235712/https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2018/10/p-IR-181024.html |archive-date=29 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[BASF Plant Science]] subsidiary produces the [[Amflora]] and Starch Potato [[genetically engineered potato|genetically modified potato]] with reduced [[amylose]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=209 |title=EH92-527-1 – GM Approval Database |website=ISAAA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425214032/http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=209 |archive-date=25 April 2015 |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="AM04-1020">{{cite web |url=http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=392 |title=AM04-1020 – GM Approval Database |website=ISAAA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425220011/http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=392 |archive-date=25 April 2015 |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref> In 2010 BASF conducted Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs approved trials of genetically modified potatoes in the United Kingdom.<ref>http://uk.news.yahoo.com/01122006/325/ahead-given-gmo-potato-trials.html {{Dead link|date=June 2017|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Starch Potato was authorised for use in the USA<ref name="AM04-1020"/> in 2014.

Other GM crops are Phytaseed Canola varieties with [[phytase]], [[sulfonylurea herbicide]] tolerant [[soybean]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/developedby/default.asp?DeveloperID=3&DevelopedBy=BASF |title=GM Crop Events developed by BASF – GM Approval Database |website=ISAAA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316063352/http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/developedby/default.asp?DeveloperID=3&Developedby=BASF |archive-date=16 March 2013 |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref> and drought tolerant corn (with cold shock protein B) developed with Monsanto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=98 |title=MON87460 - GM Approval Database- ISAAA.org |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821221052/http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/event/default.asp?EventID=98 |archive-date=21 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Oil and gas===
BASF explores for and produces oil and gas through its subsidiary [[Wintershall Dea]].

===Leadership===
Each of the divisions of BASF has a President. They are governed by a Chairman and [[CEO]].
*[[Friedrich Engelhorn]]
*[[Heinrich von Brunck]]
*[[Carl Bosch]]
*[[Carl Wurster]]
*[[Bernhard Timm]]
*[[Matthias Seefelder]]
*[[Jürgen Strube]] 1990-2003
*[[Jürgen Hambrecht]] 2003-2011
*[[Kurt Bock]] 2011-2018
*[[Martin Brudermüller]] 2018-2024
*[[Markus Kamieth]] 2024–present

==Investors==
75% of the BASF shares are held by [[institutional investor]]s ([[BlackRock]] more than 5%). 36% of the shares are held in Germany, 11% in the UK and 17% in the U.S.

==Production==
BASF's recent success is characterized by a focus on creating resource efficient product lines after completely abandoning consumer products. This strategy was reflected in production by a re-focus towards integrated production sites. The largest such integrated production site is located in [[Ludwigshafen]] employing 33,000 people.

Integrated production sites are characterized by co-location of many individual production lines (producing a specific chemical), which share an interconnected material flow. Piping is used ubiquitously for volume materials. All production lines use common raw material sourcing and feed back waste resources, which can be used elsewhere (e.g. steam of various temperatures, sulfuric acid, carbon monoxide). The economic incentive for this approach is high resource and energy efficiency of the overall process, reduced shipping cost and associated reduced risk of accidents. Due to the high cost of such an integrated production site, it establishes a high entry barrier for competitors trying to enter the market for volume chemicals.

BASF built a new chemical complex in [[Dahej]], Gujarat at a cost of $100&nbsp;million. This facility has South Asia's first [[methylene diphenyl diisocyanate]] (MDI) splitter for processing crude MDI. BASF has 8 production facilities in [[India]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/basf-india-invests-rs-1-000-cr-in-guj-chemical-complex-114100800945_1.html |title=BASF India invests Rs 1,000 cr in Guj chemical complex |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=8 October 2014 |access-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203225519/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/basf-india-invests-rs-1-000-cr-in-guj-chemical-complex-114100800945_1.html |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=live |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>

BASF SE has succeeded in developing a semi-crystalline polyamide that allows light to pass through largely unhindered, known as Ultramid.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BASF develops first semi-crystalline polyamide, Ultramid Vision |url=http://www.worldofchemicals.com/media/basf-develops-first-semi-crystalline-polyamide-ultramid-vision/12196.html |publisher=[[WorldOfChemicals]] |date=13 Oct 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122022/http://www.worldofchemicals.com/media/basf-develops-first-semi-crystalline-polyamide-ultramid-vision/12196.html |archive-date=16 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{wide image|File:BASF Ludwigshafen panorama 2023-1.jpg|1200px|Ludwigshafen production site}}

==Environmental record==
According to the 2022 "Top 100 Polluters Indexes" published by the [[University of Massachusetts, Amherst]]'s "Political Economy Research Institute" (PERI), BASF was ranked the #2 largest polluter of air and #14 largest polluter of water in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available from the U.S. [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 August 2023 |title=Top 100 Polluter Indexes |url=https://peri.umass.edu/top-100-polluter-indexes |access-date=25 August 2023}}</ref>

In 2006, BASF was included in the Climate Leadership Index for their efforts in relation to [[climate change]] and [[greenhouse gases|greenhouse gas]] emissions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evertiq.com/news/read.do?news=5235&cat=9 |title=BASF's environmental efforts recognized |date=25 September 2006 |website=Evertiq |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315030159/http://evertiq.com/news/5235 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |access-date=3 February 2016}}</ref>

The BASF Company and [[Columbia University]] formed a partnership to further research "environmentally benign and [[sustainable energy]] sources". The company has recently reported their emissions in 2006 to be "1.50 million metric tons of waste," which is a decrease from previous years. The amount of waste BASF produces has continued to fall.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |title=Sustainability |url=http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en_GB/sustainability/environment/efficient-processes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140128194417/http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en_GB/sustainability/environment/efficient-processes |archive-date=28 January 2014 |access-date=3 February 2016 |work=BASF}}</ref>

While BASF publishes its environmental information in the US and Europe, [[Greenpeace]] has expressed deep concerns at BASF's refusal to release environmental information on its operations in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/news/stories/toxics/2009/BASF-factory-China/ |title=BASF: the bad boy in China? |work=Greenpeace East Asia |access-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043515/http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/news/stories/toxics/2009/BASF-factory-China/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2009, a BASF Plant in [[Hannibal, Missouri]], United States, accidentally discharged chromium into the [[Mississippi River]]. The local Department of Natural Resources performed tests in December 2009 showing the [[chromium]] levels did not exceed regulatory safety limits.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/new-tests-find-higher-level-of-chemical-hannibal-water-results/article_bbfffd8b-eddf-59db-b7ed-c8a62261a03e.html |title=New tests find higher level of chemical Hannibal water results prompt questions about state's disclosure delay. |first1=Kim |last2=Messenger |first2=Tony |date=8 January 2010 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |author=Maguire |access-date=3 February 2016}}</ref> BASF worked with the [[Missouri Department of Natural Resources]] (MoDNR) to resolve questions regarding the elevated level of [[hexavalent chromium]] that was detected in the [[effluent]] from one of its permitted outfalls into the [[Mississippi River]]. The state department of health reviewed the test results and determined that the amounts found were well below recommended public health screening levels.<ref>Henley, Danny (12 February 2010). [http://www.hannibal.net/news/x1631826564/BPW-Chromium-6-findings-require-no-water-treatment-changes?view=print "BPW: Chromium-6 findings require no water treatment changes"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723144204/http://www.hannibal.net/news/x1631826564/BPW-Chromium-6-findings-require-no-water-treatment-changes?view=print |date=23 July 2011 }}. ''Hannibal Courier-Post''. Retrieved 9 March 2010.</ref>

In 2013, BASF reported a spill of several hundred kilogrammes of the [[chelating agent]] Trilon-B (tetrasodium [[Edta]]) into the river [[Rhine]] from BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.process-worldwide.com/explosion_protection_safety_security/articles/393163/ |title=Chemical Product Spill at BASF – 600 kg Trilon B Leaked into Rhine River |date=February 2013 |access-date=3 February 2016}}</ref>  BASF has instituted an eco-efficiency analysis to promote green engineering principles.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Shonnard |first1=David R. |last2=Kicherer |first2=Andreas |last3=Saling |first3=Peter |date=2003-12-01 |title=Industrial Applications Using BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis: Perspectives on Green Engineering Principles |url=https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es034462z |journal=Environmental Science & Technology |language=en |volume=37 |issue=23 |pages=5340–5348 |doi=10.1021/es034462z |pmid=14700318 |bibcode=2003EnST...37.5340S |issn=0013-936X|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Companies}}
*[[Ineos]]
*[[Dow Chemical Company]]
*[[Union Carbide]]
*[[Sculpteo]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} <!-- multi-column mode unusable -->
==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last1=Abelshauser |first1=Werner |author-link1=Werner Abelshauser |last2=von Hippel |first2=Wolfgang |last3=Johnson |first3=Jeffrey Allan |last4=Stokes |first4=Raymond G. |author-link4=Raymond G. Stokes |title=German Industry and Global Enterprise. BASF: The History of a Company |url=https://archive.org/details/germanindustrygl00wern |url-access=registration |date=2003 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-521-82726-3}}
*Beer, John J. ''The Emergence of the German Dye Industry'' (1959).

==External links==
{{Commons category|BASF}}
*{{official website}}
*{{PM20|FID=co/002589|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}
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