BASF

BASF SE, originally Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik, is a German multinational chemical company and one of the largest chemical producers in the world by revenue and production capacity. The company is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, and operates in more than 80 countries with a network of production sites and research centers.

Founded in 1865 by Friedrich Engelhorn to produce dyes and soda ash, BASF rapidly expanded into a broad range of chemicals and materials. The Ludwigshafen site grew into the company’s largest production complex and remains a central hub of its operations. Over the following decades BASF diversified into plastics, coatings, specialty chemicals, and crop-protection products, later integrating chemical intermediates, catalysts, and battery materials into its portfolio.

Core business areas include Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. The company’s products touch numerous industries, including automotive, construction, electronics, agriculture, and consumer goods.

BASF pursues research and development and sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency, and support circular economy practices. The company operates under a publicly traded structure (SE) with a global workforce and extensive manufacturing footprint.

Throughout its history, BASF has played a central role in the German and global chemical industry, contributing to innovations in dyes, polymers, catalysts, and specialty chemicals.