• New process for recycling PUR rigid foams from old refrigerators
• Collaboration between KraussMaffei, RAMPF, REMONDIS, and BASF
• Successful cooperation between all actors in the recycling chain

October 4, 2022 – How can polyurethane (PUR) insulation materials from old refrigerators be returned to the material cycle on an industrial scale instead of being used to generate energy? The recycling of this post-consumer waste is the focus of a collaboration between KraussMaffei, RAMPF, REMONDIS, and BASF.

Refrigerators have a long lifespan. To ensure energy efficiency and as little CO2 emissions as possible, manufacturers of almost all appliances all around the world rely on the insulation performance of polyurethane. PUR is an energy saver during its service life. But what happens at the end of the life cycle when the refrigerators and thus the PUR rigid foam have done their job?

After disposal, as prescribed by the EU in Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), the rigid foam ends up as regrind, which up until now has mainly been used for energy purposes. According to PlasticsEurope, this process recovers about 30 per cent of the energy used in the production of PUR, but the carbon is not retained in the material cycle. The four partners will change that by using a new chemical recycling process known as depolymerization to obtain a recycled polyol. This polyol is to be used in the production of PUR materials in order to close the material cycle.

This innovative process is particularly challenging, because it has to be very robust in order to reliably convert post-consumer waste with high levels of foreign substances into a high-quality recycled polyol. The progress made by the four partners is promising. The initial trials have already produced positive results.

To date, processes for the chemical recycling of PUR have mainly focused on industrial waste, usually from production. This industrial waste is characterized by a high degree of purity, which significantly facilitates recycling. The recycling stream originating from post-consumer waste is much more complex to handle, as it is heavily contaminated with foreign substances such as other types of plastics and metals.

For the process to make it from the lab to everyday life:
Few partners, high efficiency

What works in pilot projects should ultimately be implemented on an industrial scale. Therefore, new technologies are needed, and all the players in the recycling chain – from the dismantling of the refrigerator to the use of recycled polyol in the production process – must work together efficiently. It is also important that every stage of the recycling process is assessed ecologically and economically. And this is precisely the approach taken by KraussMaffei, RAMPF, REMONDIS, and BASF. The goal is to develop an industrial process that delivers high-quality recycled polyols that are comparable to polyols obtained from primary fossil raw materials.

BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, Lemförde, is responsible for the chemical testing and qualitative evaluation of the recycled material obtained. For the raw material supplier and system provider in the field of polyurethanes, it is an important concern to work in partnership on end-of-life solutions. Joerg Krogmann, Technical Development at BASF, explains his view of the project: “The chemical recycling process of PUR waste from refrigerator recycling that will be developed during this collaboration must be economically and ecologically sustainable, while also meeting BASF’s high product quality requirements.”

First step: collection and processing of the waste material

A basic prerequisite for this recycling project is that the collection and dismantling of the old refrigerators and freezers run smoothly. This is one of the reasons why REMONDIS Electrorecycling GmbH, Lünen, is part of the team. “A basic prerequisite for an innovative waste equipment recycling route is that the waste management industry makes the appropriate waste material available to the other players in the recycling chain according to the correct specifications and in industrial quantities. And that is what we are working on. We are the first step in the sustainable supply of raw materials,” says Sebastian Schormann, ear sales manager and authorized signatory at REMONDIS.

RAMPF Eco Solutions GmbH, Pirmasens, is contributing its experience in the chemical recycling of polyurethane and PET residues to the project. “We want to establish innovative process technologies that are better able to deal with increased levels of foreign substances in post-consumer materials,” says Michael Kugler, plant manager and authorized signatory at RAMPF Eco Solutions, describing his interest in the collaboration.

As a machine and systems manufacturer, KraussMaffei not only focuses on the production of plastics, but also on their recycling and sustainable use at the end of their life cycle. In the collaboration, KraussMaffei is responsible for the development of the technology and of efficient overall technical concepts for plastics plant engineering. Sebastian Schmidhuber, trend scouting manager at KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH, Munich, explains: “Together with our partners, we want to advance technologies for the chemical recycling of polyurethane materials in this project. Recycling plastics has a great future – and it requires the right technologies and machines.”

 
About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

 
About KraussMaffei

KraussMaffei is among the world’s leading manufacturers of machinery and systems for the production and processing of plastics and rubber. Our brand stands for cutting-edge technologies – for more than 180 years. Our range of services covers all areas of injection molding machinery, extrusion technology and reaction process machinery. This gives KraussMaffei a unique selling point in the industry. With the high innovative power of our standardized and individual product, process, digital and service solutions, we can guarantee customers sustained additional value over the entire value-adding chain.

Our range of products and services allow us to serve customers in many sectors including the automotive, packaging, and medical and construction industries, as well as manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and household appliances.

As of April 2016, it has been majority-owned by China National Chemical Corp. Ltd. (ChemChina), one of the largest chemical companies in China. At the end of 2018, the KraussMaffei Group became listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the umbrella of KraussMaffei Company Ltd. The listing opened up access to the Chinese capital market and local investors.

 
About RAMPF Eco Solutions

RAMPF Eco Solutions located in Pirmasens, Germany, develops chemical solutions for the manufacture of high-quality recycled polyols from PU and PET waste materials. This expertise is also utilized in the planning and construction of customer-specific multi-functional plants for manufacturing polyols. RAMPF Eco Solutions is a company of the international RAMPF Group with subsidiaries in Germany, United States of America, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea.

 
About REMONDIS Electrorecycling:

REMONDIS Electrorecycling GmbH is a member of the REMONDIS Group and one of Europe's leading companies in the recycling of waste electrical equipment. Refrigerator recycling is a particular focus of the company's activities. REMONDIS operates 6 plants in Europe for this purpose. However, other WEEE is also professionally recycled within the group of companies and manufacturers are supported in fulfilling their product responsibility not only through recycling but also through compliance services.

• Distortion-optimized and weather-resistant, reinforced Ultramid® ensures excellent connectivity
• New wallbox generation starts with AMPERFIED wallbox connect.home from HEIDELBERG
• Go! Create: Outstanding material expertise enables joint development in record time

Close partnership, outstanding material expertise and extensive possibilities for component testing by the plastics manufacturer BASF are the basis for the new application made of Ultramid® (PA). HEIDELBERG, a leading manufacturer of charging technology, is using polyamide for the first time as an injection-molded housing in the new Amperfied wallbox connect.home. This further development sets standards in wallbox production and, as an innovative charging solution, enables a major step into the future of electromobility.

Ultramid® with optimized property profile

HEIDELBERG places high quality demands on BASF plastic in order not to compromise on its properties. As a tough and distortion-optimized material, Ultramid® convinces in relevant tests and ensures an absolutely reliable screw connection with all other components. "We achieve warpage reduction with the help of our databases, product diversity, simulation and experience. This is how we find the optimal solution for our customers," explains Jochen Seubert, Senior Application Engineer for Electrical and Electronics Applications at BASF.

In close coordination and thanks to the bundling of the competencies of all parties involved – material supplier, mold maker and wallbox manufacturer – the required glow wire class with 650°/675° Celsius (maximum permissible fire time 30 seconds) could be proven in the BASF test laboratories, among other things, on the component. With a variably adjustable charging power of the wallbox from
2.1 kW to 11 kW, this is one of the prerequisites for appropriate certification.

In further tests for component testing, the selected Ultramid® type proved to be particularly impact-resistant, which makes the Amperfied wallbox connect.home a robust and durable charging solution. The material shows a high resistance to weather or vandalism, with a noble and modern look and touch at the same time.

The Ultramid® grade also meets the requirements for perfect electromagnetic compatibility. There is no risk of damage to the electronics due to excessive charging of the housing.

Transmitting and receiving waves can penetrate the housing material with sufficient strength and enable communication with the myAMPERFIED app for clever control and diagnosis of the wallbox. These requirements for the connectivity of the wallbox were also decisive for the choice of plastic.

Use of plastic increases functionality

The use of plastic in the housing part also greatly simplifies the production of the complete wallbox. Where previously metal had to be laboriously bent and cut, the housing made of Ultramid® bundles all this in one step during injection molding. The painting step is also omitted, as the material with its attractive surface design can be used directly - less complexity with the same value and higher functionality. "Today's Ultramid® grades offer the optimal solution as a housing material in terms of mechanics, electrical insulation, optics and processability and are therefore gladly used by our customers," says Jochen Seubert, BASF, emphasizing the diversity of this material group.

Go! Create: A strong partnership

Decisive for the development time of less than 1.5 years - from the first presentation of materials to market maturity - were the open and trusting manner of interaction and discussion of both development partners from the beginning. In close coordination, material adjustments and tests were carried out and the project was advanced at a brisk pace. "HEIDELBERG AMPERFIED wallboxes have always been characterized by a timelessly designed and robust housing. With the Ultramid® housing, together with BASF, we have managed to transfer the qualities of the first generation to the wallboxes of our new generation and to meet additional requirements, such as connectivity, excellently," explains Ulrich Grimm, Technical Managing Director of Amperfied GmbH.

 Note:

Creator Talk at K 2022
October 19th, 2022, 11 a.m.      

“Housing made of Ultramid® in the Amperfied wallbox connect.home”

Speakers:
Alexander Scheu, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Jochen Seubert, BASF SE

 
BASF at K 2022: Welcome to #ourplasticsjourney!

Go!Create! At K 2022, we invite everyone to join #ourplasticsjourney! At our booth in hall 5, C21/D21, we will explore new ways in which sustainable action is possible in all phases of the lifecycle of plastics: from how we can produce plastics more sustainably, to how we can use them better, to how we can discover new solutions to close the loop. Solving these challenges is a journey that we are all on together. At K 2022, we want to make that journey go faster. K is the #1 trade fair for plastics and rubber and will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 – 26, 2022. Visit www.plastics.basf.com/K2022.

 About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

 
About Amperfied GmbH

Amperfied GmbH, based in Walldorf, is a 100% subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG). Founded in April 2022, it continues the parent company's commitment to electromobility since 2014 under a new name. With comprehensive know-how in the fields of power electronics and software, Amperfied GmbH positions itself with innovative, customer-oriented and future-proof charging solutions for domestic needs and public spaces. The aim is to develop into a technology leader for an emission-free and livable future and to actively shape mobility and energy supply. www.amperfied.de

• New car concept for sustainable and affordable mobility
• Innovative materials provide simplicity and enhanced functionality
• Solutions for saving resources and achieving a circular economy

It’s no longer about the fastest or most luxurious car. Citroën and BASF have unveiled their all-electric concept car oli [all-ë], a manifesto to how much can be saved by reducing weight and resource usage. “This concept car shows what can be achieved when partners trust one another and are bold enough to tread new paths,” explained Uta Holzenkamp, President Coatings, representing the automotive team at BASF. “The result is an entire microcosm of ideas and solutions that goes way beyond the original concept.”

With speed limited to 110 km/h (68 mph) and acceleration close to the classic 2CV model, the concept car gains a wider range and significantly improved battery lifespan. The minimalistic approach paved the way for a refreshing and innovative design. Various components have been radically reinterpreted and constructed by using materials in a different context. For example, the complete backrest is made of a flexible 3D-printed plastic material (Ultrasint® TPU88A). The open lattice structure provides natural air flow, replacing all ventilators in the seat. For this, as well as to produce about twenty parts the competence of the 3D printing service office, Sculpteo in France, a brand of BASF, was used. And don’t bother looking for a sound or navigation system, because you won’t find one. After all, most customers have a mobile phone and portable speaker, which can be plugged in to the dashboard and automatically connected to the vehicle.

Reduced complexity, increased sustainability and appealing design

Another striking feature is that many of the new components are designed and manufactured from materials from the same chemical product family. Bonded and welded components made from different materials are a challenge in mechanical recycling. For this reason, the designers created as many components as possible from a single material.

This principle of simplicity was also implemented during production. With the driver and front passenger doors being identical, this saves on pressing tools and reduces complexity. The same applies to all wheel arches and bumpers. The oli concept car is proof of the fact that sustainability and an appealing design are not contradictory.

The color of the body perfectly conveys the concept of the car. At first glance it seems to be a pure white color, but mica particles have been added to emphasize the shape of the car. In contrast to the exterior, the materials of the interior – such as the seats and the flooring – have been coated with an intense orange color.

Co-creation as a key to new solutions

The automotive manufacturer Citroën worked closely with BASF during development and design. Innovative solutions from the chemical company played a vital role in this co-creation endeavor. “Projects such as the development of the concept car together with Citroën are a big boost on our way towards a more sustainable future,” explained Uta Holzenkamp. “You need innovation and creative minds to bring the ideas from the different companies together.” BASF has been pursuing an ambitious sustainability strategy for years now. Some of the major cornerstones of this strategy include the ChemCyclingTM project on improving the chemical recycling of plastics, as well as the biomass balance approach, in which fossil resources are replaced with renewables in production.

In addition to its product and engineering expertise, BASF was also able to contribute its design expertise through the Creation Center. “This is where the project was born,” said Alex Horisberger, Manager Industrial Design at BASF. “On a visit to the creative studio at Citroën, we were able to convince their designers with our materials and trend analyses. Working on the same level with Citroën’s interior and exterior designers was a personal highlight for me.”

Laurence Hansen, Citroën Product & Strategy Director, sees the collaboration in a similar light. “The collaboration with BASF was a key factor in the design of oli and in developing an electric vehicle that’s as fun and efficient as possible for the near future. The innovative electric car runs counter to the trend toward increasingly heavier and more complex vehicles, instead focusing on ease and simplicity. It demonstrates how to keep environmental impact to a minimum, while bringing back the fun of a functional, electric vehicle,” Hansen said.

Wide range of BASF material solutions for an innovative car concept

Many BASF automotive solutions help implement this idea: Another high-performance plastic from BASF can be found in the rear armrests and the interior floor. Infinergy®, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is also used in running shoes and sports flooring. It is elastic like rubber, but lighter, robust, and highly resistant to abrasion. In oli, the material provides a pleasant yet stable surface in armrests and floors. Plus, it dampens noise and vibrations. Additionally, a special coating is applied to ensure an extra long life span. The water-based NovaCoat-P coating is ideal for protecting soft substrates against abrasion, UV radiation, dirt, and chemicals. And because the flooring is waterproof, it can be easily cleaned with water. This is where the integrated plugs made of Elastollan® come in handy, as they can be removed to drain water and dirt.

The weight of the vehicle exterior was also considerably reduced, while at the same time increasing stability and durability. The hood, roof, and trunk are made of panels combining the Elastoflex® polyurethane system and the Elastocoat® spray paint system. Thanks to the honeycomb sandwich structure, these panels are so stable that you can even stand on them. This is part of the vehicle’s functionality.

Used for coating the car body, R-M® AGILIS® is another BASF product that provides greater sustainability. The water-based coating has a very low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

BASF CathoGuard® 800 electrocoat, which protects the battery housing from corrosion, contributes to further resource savings. It stands out for its high performance and eco-friendliness as it is tin/HAPs-free and with low solvent content.

For more information about oli [all-ë], visit:

concept-car-citroen.basf.com

 

 About BASF and the automotive industry

The automotive industry is one of BASF’s key customer industries. In 2021, BASF’s automotive driven sales totaled €18.8 billion – representing approximately 24% of BASF Group’s sales. BASF supplies and develops functional materials and solutions that enable vehicles to be built more efficiently and have a lower environmental impact, whatever powertrain technology they use. BASF’s product range includes for example plastics, coatings, catalysts, automotive fluids as well as battery materials. With such an extensive range of products, BASF is the world’s leading chemical supplier to the automotive industry. BASF cooperates closely with customers all over the world through a network embracing Europe, Asia-Pacific, North and South America as well as Africa. Further information on BASF’s solutions for the automotive industry is available at automotive.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

• Trendsetting sustainable solutions to create new value
• Evolving portfolio benefits customers wanting to meet and exceed their sustainability goals
• “Creator Talks” to spotlight value creation in MAKE – USE – RECYCLE

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 13, 2022 – BASF will showcase VALERAS™ for its plastic additives portfolio for the first time at K 2022. VALERAS adds value to plastic applications by delivering significant sustainability benefits with additive technical solutions and services. Among these are solutions to accelerate the plastics journey to a circular economy and net zero emissions. BASF will also present its latest addition to the VALERAS portfolio, Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) of several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service. This complements the recently launched solutions IrgaCycle™ and RegXcellence®. These offerings, along with other novel additive solutions, will be showcased in a series of “Creator Talks” being held at the BASF stand (Hall 5, booth C21/D21).

“Trends in plastic innovation are changing rapidly, driven across the different industries by legislation and higher consumer awareness. As an ongoing effort to create new value for plastics, we proactively collaborate with our customers to develop sustainable solutions that contribute to the make, use, and recycle phases of a plastic’s lifecycle,” said Dr. Achim Sties, Senior Vice President, Performance Chemicals Europe, BASF. “We believe that with our proven track record in additives, coupled with our customer's knowledge of the applications, we will be able to solve the current challenges the industry is facing and deliver innovative solutions to meet tomorrow’s needs. We invite visitors to K 2022 and “Go!Create” together with us.”

New sustainable solutions for a competitive edge

BASF will be showcasing various new trend setting sustainable additives solutions at K 2022:

Rotomolded products are commonly used for outdoor applications such as water storage tanks. Extreme weather is very damaging to the properties of these applications. Designed specifically for polyethylene rotational molding resins, the tailored additive package from the Irgastab® range extends the service life of rotomolded parts, and also saves time, energy and costs during processing.

The Irgatec® CR technology enables the creation of advanced meltblown nonwoven materials which fulfill the increasing requirements defined for both personal hygiene and filter applications. With Irgatec® CR 25, BASF introduces a solution targeting PP meltblown modification, which is of high interest for filtration materials. The solution can be implemented directly by the meltblown producers without additional investment in their existing line, thus enabling a faster-to-market solution for specialty PP nonwoven products.

Additives are key enablers for circular plastics and to drive innovation for recyclability. The recently launched IrgaCycle range includes additives solutions that are specifically designed to improve the properties of mechanically recycled plastics for different target industries. Recyclers can benefit from higher quality of recyclates whereas converters can increase recycled content in their applications. IrgaCycle tackles challenges like gel formation, mitigates the impact of impurities and improves mechanical performance by enhancing process stability.

Sustainability journey continues

As an extension to the VALERAS portfolio, BASF is now offering its plastic additives customers product carbon footprints for several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service via the myPlasticAdditives online portal. Customers using this service will be provided with greenhouse gas emission information starting with raw material extraction right up to the point a product leaves the BASF factory gates. With the additional transparency, BASF helps its customers to prioritize carbon savings actions, validate sustainability claims for creating low carbon plastics, and increasingly make sustainable purchasing decisions.    

Platform for industry players to exchange ideas

In a series of high-level “Creator Talks” at its booth featured under MAKE – USE – RECYCLE, BASF will showcase projects with technology leaders where strong collaboration and open exchange have enabled customers to overcome technical challenges. The BASF plastic additives experts will also share insights into innovative applications for packaging, automotive, building and construction. More information on these Creator Talks can be found on BASF’s K 2022 website.

 
BASF at K 2022: Welcome to #OurPlasticsJourney!

Go!Create! At K 2022, we invite everyone to join #OurPlasticsJourney! At our booth in hall 5, C21/D21, we will explore new ways in which sustainable action is possible in all phases of the lifecycle of plastics: from how we can produce plastics more sustainably, to how we can use them better, to how we can discover new solutions to close the loop. Solving these challenges is a journey that we are all on together. At K 2022, we want to make that journey go faster. K is the #1 trade fair for plastics and rubber and will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 – 26, 2022. Visit www.plastics.basf.com/K2022.

About BASF Plastic Additives

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer, and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes additives that provide ease in processing, and heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including molded articles, films, fibers, sheets, and extruded profiles. The portfolio is constantly analyzed, assessed and actively improved towards solutions which make a larger contribution to sustainability. More information about plastic additives: www.plasticadditives.basf.com.

BASF plastic additives is part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes fuel and lubricant solutions, kaolin minerals, as well as oilfield chemicals and mining solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit http://www.performancechemicals.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

• Latest addition to VALERAS™ portfolio of sustainable solutions and services
• BASF’s plastic additives carbon footprints cover cradle-to-gate phase
• Customers may request product carbon footprints as premium service via myPlasticAdditives online customer portal
• First wave of calculations includes products in the Irganox®, Tinuvin® and Chimassorb® portfolios

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 7, 2022 – BASF now offers its plastic additives customers product carbon footprints (PCFs) for several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service within the VALERAS™ portfolio. By improving CO2 transparency in the value chain, BASF will support customers in reaching their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Using its proprietary digital solution and validated calculations, BASF can now provide cradle-to-gate PCFs. A cradle-to-gate PCF comprises the total greenhouse gas emissions that occur from the extraction of resources through the manufacturing of precursors to the making of the final chemical product itself.

“BASF aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. At the same time, we are continuously working with our customers to help them reach their climate targets. With this digital solution, we create greater transparency with high quality PCFs to enable them to satisfy their customer requests and validate sustainability claims for creating low-carbon plastics,” said Dr. Achim Sties, Senior Vice President, Performance Chemicals Europe, BASF. “We are committed to increasing the sustainability of plastics along the entire polymer value chain and are taking the next step as the first additives producer to offer a broad range of PCFs to the market.”

The PCFs will be available as a premium service through a new online customer portal named myPlasticAdditives. It is a convenient and easy-to-use digital solution to access on demand a broad library of regulatory, sustainability and technical information. This online portal will help customers drive efficiency and improve business processes with BASF support at their fingertips. Registration for an account is available at myPlasticAdditives.basf.com.

The first wave of available calculations includes products in the Irganox®, Tinuvin® and Chimassorb® portfolios; further products will follow. PCFs for plastic additives are part of the VALERAS™ portfolio. Providing customers with new valuable sustainability information allows them to understand the extent to which BASF’s plastic additives materials contribute to the carbon footprint of their final products. With VALERAS, BASF is committed to increasing the sustainability of plastics along the entire polymer value chain with innovative solutions and offerings from its plastic additives business.

To learn more about product carbon footprints for BASF’s plastic additives’ products, please visit Product Carbon Footprint (basf.com).

 

About BASF Plastic Additives

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer, and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes additives which provide ease in processing, heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including molded articles, films, fibers, sheets and extruded profiles. The portfolio is constantly analyzed, assessed and actively improved towards solutions which make a larger contribution to sustainability. More information about plastic additives: www.plasticadditives.basf.com.

BASF plastic additives is part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes fuel and lubricant solutions, kaolin minerals, as well as oilfield chemicals and mining solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit http://www.performancechemicals.basf.com.   

 
About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at https://www.basf.com. 

• Latest addition to VALERAS™ portfolio of sustainable solutions and services
• BASF’s plastic additives carbon footprints cover cradle-to-gate phase
• Customers may request product carbon footprints as premium service via myPlasticAdditives online customer portal
• First wave of calculations includes products in the Irganox®, Tinuvin® and Chimassorb® portfolios

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 7, 2022 – BASF now offers its plastic additives customers product carbon footprints (PCFs) for several antioxidants and light stabilizers as a premium service within the VALERAS™ portfolio. By improving CO2 transparency in the value chain, BASF will support customers in reaching their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Using its proprietary digital solution and validated calculations, BASF can now provide cradle-to-gate PCFs. A cradle-to-gate PCF comprises the total greenhouse gas emissions that occur from the extraction of resources through the manufacturing of precursors to the making of the final chemical product itself.

“BASF aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. At the same time, we are continuously working with our customers to help them reach their climate targets. With this digital solution, we create greater transparency with high quality PCFs to enable them to satisfy their customer requests and validate sustainability claims for creating low-carbon plastics,” said Dr. Achim Sties, Senior Vice President, Performance Chemicals Europe, BASF. “We are committed to increasing the sustainability of plastics along the entire polymer value chain and are taking the next step as the first additives producer to offer a broad range of PCFs to the market.”

The PCFs will be available as a premium service through a new online customer portal named myPlasticAdditives. It is a convenient and easy-to-use digital solution to access on demand a broad library of regulatory, sustainability and technical information. This online portal will help customers drive efficiency and improve business processes with BASF support at their fingertips. Registration for an account is available at myPlasticAdditives.basf.com.

The first wave of available calculations includes products in the Irganox®, Tinuvin® and Chimassorb® portfolios; further products will follow. PCFs for plastic additives are part of the VALERAS™ portfolio. Providing customers with new valuable sustainability information allows them to understand the extent to which BASF’s plastic additives materials contribute to the carbon footprint of their final products. With VALERAS, BASF is committed to increasing the sustainability of plastics along the entire polymer value chain with innovative solutions and offerings from its plastic additives business.

To learn more about product carbon footprints for BASF’s plastic additives’ products, please visit Product Carbon Footprint (basf.com).

 

About BASF Plastic Additives

BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer, and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes additives which provide ease in processing, heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including molded articles, films, fibers, sheets and extruded profiles. The portfolio is constantly analyzed, assessed and actively improved towards solutions which make a larger contribution to sustainability. More information about plastic additives: www.plasticadditives.basf.com.

BASF plastic additives is part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The division’s portfolio also includes fuel and lubricant solutions, kaolin minerals, as well as oilfield chemicals and mining solutions. Customers from a variety of industries including Chemicals, Plastics, Consumer Goods, Energy & Resources and Automotive & Transportation benefit from our innovative solutions. To learn more, visit http://www.performancechemicals.basf.com.   

 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at https://www.basf.com. 

• At K 2022 trade fair in October 2022, BASF will present its ‘Plastic Journey’ (MAKE – USE – RECYCLE) towards a more sustainable plastics economy
• BASF invites all customers and partners to join the Plastics Journey and to co-create solutions how plastics are made, used and recycled in a more sustainable manner
• BASF will showcase sustainable solutions for industries such as Automotive, Construction, Packaging – accompanied by expert panel discussions

Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 21, 2022.
BASF will present its journey to advance towards the goal of a circular economy at K 2022 trade fair, which is the #1 trade fair for plastics and rubber. K 2022 takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 – 26, 2022, celebrating its 70th anniversary. BASF has been exhibiting at K ever since the trade fair debuted back in 1952, continuously showing its commitment to the plastics industry and ability to create breakthroughs together with its customers.

“At K 2022, our theme is ‘Go!Create – Welcome to Our Plastics Journey’,” says Dr. Martin Jung, President Performance Materials, “We invite all visitors to join our
journey towards a sustainable future with plastics. We will show products and solutions and more than that we want to give insights in our concepts and plans.
The Plastics Journey towards a more sustainable economy needs a co-operative approach and this has a long way to go. That’s what we want to express.” The
Plastics Journey consists of three phases which represent the lifecycle of plastics: MAKE, USE, and RECYCLE. BASF offers market-leading products and solutions
for all three phases of this journey.

“We will demonstrate our capabilities and thoughts at K 2022 exhibiting numerous co-creation projects with partners and customers from industries like Automotive,
Construction, E&E, Packaging, and Consumer,” Jung adds, “These projects range from products that have net-zero or low Product Carbon Footprints to new products
made from recycled raw materials to conserve fossil raw materials. As an integrated company with our own base chemical production, we are a key enabler in helping
our customers decarbonize their value chains.” BASF has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 25% by 2030 and reaching net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Another strong focus will be on digital and data-driven value chain models that help BASF’s customers transform towards a CO2 neutral future. In this area, BASF has
introduced an industry-leading digital application to calculate the CO2 emissions of around 45,000 BASF sales products.

MAKE: BASF solutions improve how plastics are made

“The MAKE phase is about improving how plastics are made – from product design to the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process itself,” explains Jung.
At K 2022, BASF will present solutions to track and reduce the Product Carbon Footprint along the entire value chain of different industries. For example, BASF is
a member of Catena-X, a collaborative effort of the automotive industry to build a data driven ecosystem.

BASF will also showcase a number of solutions to reduce the Product Carbon Footprint using renewable or recycled feedstock like in the case of the Styrenics
portfolio in packaging and construction. BASF’s biomass balance certified materials are also used by customers from the furniture industry or by a safety shoe brand
offering a carbon neutral safety shoe containing BASF’s biomass balance polyurethane certified according to REDcert2. Another example how plastics and
thereby consumer products can be manufactured more sustainably are outdoor pants made of raw materials obtained via the chemical recycling of end-of-life tires
using BASF’s Ultramid® Ccycled™.

USE: BASF solutions improve the performance of plastics

“Plastics come with many sustainability benefits,” emphasizes Jung, “In the USE phase of their lifecycle, plastics play out all their strengths: by improving energy
efficiency through their light weight, by prolonging product lifecycles thanks to their robustness and peak performance, and by enabling more sustainable applications in sectors such as e-mobility and household appliances.”

At K 2022, BASF will show several examples of plastics being true performance materials for sustainability: from safe and durable polyamides for high-voltage
components within the e-mobility charging infrastructure to enabling a green miniature circuit breaker (MCB) for the E&E business that uses a 100% recycled
PA6 based compound using pyrolysis oil from end-of-life tires – without any compromise on the MCB’s robustness. BASF plastics also help improve energy
efficiency, for example for customers in the refrigeration industry that face high requirements to achieve the highest energy label.

RECYCLE: BASF solutions improve the recycling methods of plastics

“The crucial question about plastics is what happens to them at the end of their life,” emphasizes Dr. Martin Jung, “To achieve a circular economy, we need to get much better at the recycling of plastics to close the loop.”

To advance the RECYCLE phase of the Plastics Journey, BASF offers several product packages that pursue and expand all existing recycling methods. While the
BASF subsidiary trinamiX offers innovative mobile near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy solutions for sorting and identifying different types of plastic waste, BASF’s
IrgaCycle™ is a new range of additive solutions that improves the mechanical recycling of plastics. For chemical recycling, BASF offers a variety of products
containing raw materials obtained via ChemCycling™. To complete the recycling methods, the BASF booth also features the certified compostable biopolymer
ecovio®: It supports organic recycling of food waste and food-soiled packaging thus increasing the diversion of food waste from landfill and incineration.

Creator Talks: A discussion platform for experts and visitors

To offer all visitors insights into the co-creation process with customers and partners and to take them along the Plastics Journey, BASF will host a series of daily ‘Creator Talks’ at its booth. For these talks, which will be announced on BASF’s K 2022 website and on social media over the next weeks, experts and thought leaders from different fields will discuss solutions to the most pressing challenges their industries are facing. Topics range from digital simulation solutions to charging infrastructure and recycling solutions.

BASF at K 2022: Welcome to #OurPlasticsJourney!
Go!Create! At K 2022, we invite everyone to join #OurPlasticsJourney! At our booth in hall 5,
C21/D21, we will explore new ways in which sustainable action is possible in all phases of the
lifecycle of plastics: from how we can produce plastics more sustainably, to how we can use them
better, to how we can discover new solutions to close the loop. Solving these challenges is a journey
that we are all on together. At K 2022, we want to make that journey go faster. K is the #1 trade fair
for plastics and rubber and will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 – 26, 2022. Visit
www.plastics.basf.com/K2022.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with
environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group
contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world.
Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface
Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in
2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary
Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.