Overview

BASF SE is a German multinational chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen. Its name derives from Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik, or Baden Aniline and Soda Factory, the business established by Friedrich Engelhorn in 1865. The company began by manufacturing aniline dyes and the chemicals required to produce them, then expanded into a broad portfolio of industrial materials, intermediates, coatings, catalysts, agricultural products, nutrition ingredients and performance chemicals. The company’s early development was closely linked to advances in synthetic chemistry. BASF recruited chemist Heinrich Caro, whose work helped establish commercial processes for dyes including alizarin, methylene blue and eosin. Research into sulfuric acid production and other industrial processes improved the efficiency and scale of its operations. The most consequential turning point came through the commercialization of ammonia synthesis based on the Haber process. Working with Fritz Haber’s process and Carl Bosch’s industrial engineering, BASF began ammonia production at Oppau in 1913. This created a foundation for fertilizers and large-scale nitrogen chemistry while helping transform BASF from a dye producer into an integrated chemical manufacturer. In 1925, BASF joined Bayer, Hoechst and other German chemical companies to form IG Farben. The conglomerate became deeply involved in the economy and war production of Nazi Germany. Its history includes the use of forced labor and the production of Zyklon B by an IG Farben affiliate for the Nazi extermination system. IG Farben was dissolved by the Allied authorities after the Second World War, and BASF was re-established as an independent company in 1952. The company has acknowledged the need to address this history, which remains an important part of its institutional record. Postwar growth broadened BASF’s activities into synthetic fibers, plastics, polystyrene, fertilizers, coatings, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other higher-value products. International expansion accelerated from the 1960s onward, with production and commercial operations established across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Africa. BASF also pursued acquisitions to strengthen coatings, construction chemicals, catalysts, nutrition, pest management, agricultural seeds and crop-protection products. Major transactions included Engelhard, Ciba, Cognis and selected agricultural assets acquired from Bayer. BASF organizes its business around major areas including Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. Its customers include manufacturers in automotive, transportation, construction, electronics, packaging, consumer goods, food, personal care, pharmaceuticals and farming. Products are often supplied as ingredients, intermediates, formulations, resins, polymers, catalysts or process materials rather than as consumer-facing finished goods. The company historically marketed consumer electronics under the BASF name, but largely exited that activity during the 1990s. The group operates a network of integrated production sites and other facilities in more than 80 countries and serves customers in more than 190 countries. Its integrated Verbund model links chemical plants so that energy, feedstocks and by-products can be used across multiple production chains. This approach is central to BASF’s operating model and is intended to improve resource efficiency and manufacturing economics. At the same time, the company faces scrutiny over greenhouse-gas emissions, energy consumption, hazardous substances, chemical-safety incidents, labor conditions in supply chains and its historical environmental record. In the 2020s, BASF has emphasized cost control, portfolio management, lower-carbon production and expansion in China. High European energy prices contributed to plans to reduce capacity and employment at Ludwigshafen, including the planned closure of one amm…

History

BASF was founded on 6 April 1865 by Friedrich Engelhorn in Mannheim, in the German state of Baden. Engelhorn had operated a gasworks and recognized that coal-tar by-products could provide aniline, a raw material for synthetic dyes. Because Mannheim authorities were concerned about pollution, the principal works were built across the Rhine in Ludwigshafen. The site soon became the company’s enduring industrial center. During its first decades, BASF concentrated on synthetic dyes and the acids, alkalis and other chemicals needed to manufacture them. Heinrich Caro became an important early research leader, helping develop commercial methods for alizarin and other dyes. BASF later introduced processes for methylene blue and eosin, while research into indigo eventually led to commercial production in the late nineteenth century. The business also improved sulfuric-acid manufacturing through the contact process, reducing costs and increasing concentration. The industrialization of ammonia synthesis changed BASF’s scale and strategic importance. Fritz Haber developed the underlying chemical process, while Carl Bosch and BASF engineers adapted it for industrial production. BASF began operating an ammonia plant at Oppau in 1913. Ammonia supported fertilizer production and enabled expansion into nitrogen chemistry. During the First World War, BASF also operated the Leuna site, where products including explosives were manufactured. In 1921, a major explosion at Oppau killed hundreds of people and exposed the risks of large-scale chemical production. In 1925, BASF merged with Bayer, Hoechst and other German chemical companies to create IG Farben. The conglomerate expanded into synthetic rubber, fuels, coatings and other sectors. During the Nazi period, IG Farben cooperated with the regime and used forced labor. Its Auschwitz chemical project and the production of Zyklon B by an affiliated company are inseparable from the history of the Holocaust. Allied authorities dissolved IG Farben after the war. BASF’s Ludwigshafen and Oppau works had also suffered extensive bombing damage, and a serious explosion at Ludwigshafen in 1948 caused further deaths and injuries. BASF was re-established as an independent company in 1952. During West Germany’s postwar economic recovery, it expanded into plastics and synthetic materials. Polystyrene production and the development of the Styropor brand helped establish BASF in insulation and packaging applications. From the 1960s, BASF internationalized its manufacturing network, building or acquiring operations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and elsewhere. Its strategic focus increasingly shifted from commodity dyes toward higher-value coatings, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fertilizers, plastics and specialty chemicals. The company pursued numerous acquisitions and divestitures from the late twentieth century onward. It acquired businesses in coatings, construction chemicals, catalysts, pest management, nutrition and care ingredients, and specialty chemicals. It purchased Engelhard in 2006, Ciba in 2009 and Cognis in 2010. It sold its European coatings business to AkzoNobel in 1999 and later divested selected businesses such as pigments and ultrafiltration membranes. Agricultural activities expanded through the purchase of seed and herbicide assets from Bayer in 2017. BASF’s modern operating model is based on a global, integrated production network. Its Verbund system connects plants so that feedstocks, energy and by-products can be shared across production chains. The company supplies customers in more than 190 countries through subsidiaries, joint ventures, production sites and sales organizations. Major activities include chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, surface technologies, nutrition and care, and agricultural solutions. Recent strategy has been shaped by energy costs, climate policy, supply-chain risk and growth in Asian markets. BASF announced a major integrated site in Zhanjiang, China, with initial production beginning in the 2020s and further construction planned. At the same time, high European energy prices led to restructuring and planned capacity reductions at Ludwigshafen, including the closure of an ammonia plant. BASF continues to pursue lower-emission production and portfolio optimization while remaining exposed to the environmental, safety and social controversies associated with large-scale chemical manufacturing.

2023
Ludwigshafen restructuring announced
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF announces closure of one Ludwigshafen ammonia plant as part of a cost-reduction program.
2019
Zhanjiang investment announced
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF announces a large integrated chemical investment in Zhanjiang, China.
2017
Bayer agricultural-assets acquisition
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF agrees to acquire selected seed and herbicide operations from Bayer.
2010
Cognis acquisition completed
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF completes its acquisition of Cognis, expanding nutrition and care ingredients.
2009
Ciba acquisition completed
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF completes the acquisition of Ciba after competition review.
2006
Engelhard acquisition
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF acquires Engelhard, strengthening its catalysts and specialty-materials portfolio.
1990
Schwarzheide site acquired
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF acquires the Schwarzheide site in eastern Germany following reunification.
1952
BASF is re-established
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF is reconstituted as an independent company after the Allied dissolution of IG Farben.
1951
Styropor is developed
[5]Styropor is developeden.wikipedia.org
BASF develops its Styropor expanded-polystyrene product, later used widely in insulation and packaging.
1925
BASF joins IG Farben
[2]IG Farbenen.wikipedia.org
BASF merges with several major German chemical companies to form IG Farben.
1921
Oppau explosion
[3]Oppau explosionen.wikipedia.org
A catastrophic explosion at Oppau kills hundreds and becomes a landmark industrial accident in Germany.
1913
Ammonia production begins at Oppau
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF industrializes ammonia synthesis based on the Haber-Bosch process.
1890
Contact-process sulfuric acid plant
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
BASF brings a more efficient contact-process sulfuric acid unit into operation.
1869
Commercial alizarin process
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
Heinrich Caro develops a synthesis for alizarin, an important red textile dye.
1866
Production moves to Ludwigshafen
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
Dye manufacturing is transferred from Mannheim to the company’s new works in Ludwigshafen.
1865
BASF is founded
[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
Friedrich Engelhorn establishes Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik, initially focused on synthetic dyes and related chemicals.

Products and positioning

A global, science-led chemical solutions provider whose integrated production network supplies materials, intermediates and formulations to many downstream industries, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and resource efficiency.

Engineering plastics
Ultramid
Ultramid is BASF’s brand family for engineering plastics, including polyamide-based materials used in automotive components, electrical and electronic parts, industrial equipment and consumer products. These materials are selected for strength, heat resistance, dimensional stability and processability, allowing manufacturers to replace some metal components or create lightweight molded parts.
Expanded polystyrene · 1951
Styropor
Styropor is BASF’s expanded-polystyrene product family. It is used primarily in thermal insulation, construction systems, protective packaging and other applications requiring lightweight cellular material. The product became one of BASF’s best-known historical brands and helped establish the company’s postwar position in synthetic materials.
Performance materials
Polyurethane systems
BASF supplies polyurethane raw materials and formulated systems for rigid and flexible foams, insulation, furniture, footwear, refrigeration, automotive components and construction. The offering includes chemical building blocks, system solutions and technical support tailored to downstream processors rather than a single consumer product.
Crop protection and agricultural products
Agricultural Solutions
BASF’s Agricultural Solutions business supplies crop-protection products and, following selected acquisitions, seeds and herbicide-related offerings. Its portfolio addresses weeds, insects, fungal diseases and crop productivity across major farming markets. Products are sold through agricultural distribution channels and supported by agronomic services and application guidance.
Surface technologies
Catalysts and emissions-control systems
BASF develops catalysts and related systems for chemical processing, refining and emissions control. These technologies help industrial customers convert feedstocks, improve process performance and reduce selected pollutants from vehicles and industrial operations. The business grew through internal research and acquisitions including Engelhard.
Specialty chemicals
Nutrition and care ingredients
This portfolio includes ingredients and formulation components for human and animal nutrition, personal care, home care and related consumer-product applications. BASF generally supplies business customers with functional ingredients, additives and intermediates that contribute to stability, texture, preservation, sensory properties or nutritional performance.

Controversies

2020
Jury orders Bayer and BASF to pay damages over dicamba herbicide damage
A U.S. jury found Bayer and BASF liable in a farmer's case alleging that dicamba herbicide produced by the companies drifted onto and severely damaged his peach orchard. The jury awarded $15 million in actual damages and $250 million in punitive damages. Bayer said it would appeal.
Source
2020
Bayer reaches settlements over Roundup, dicamba and PCB claims
Bayer reached settlements resolving claims involving Roundup, dicamba-related crop damage and PCB pollution. The Roundup settlement addresses claims alleging the weed killer caused cancer; the source says the agreement includes no admission of liability. Bayer will pay farmers $400 million for dicamba crop-damage claims and roughly $650 million to resolve PCB waterway-pollution cases, with a separate $170 million agreement concerning PCB claims by three government plaintiffs.
Source
2016
Supply-chain scrutiny linked to Xinjiang partnership
BASF’s partnership involving a subsidiary of Xinjiang Zhongtai Group has drawn scrutiny because of the partner’s connection to a region and company subject to forced-labor concerns and sanctions-related restrictions.
Source
1984
Geismar labor dispute and chemical-safety criticism
A prolonged labor dispute at BASF’s Geismar, Louisiana, plant involved a worker lockout and union allegations concerning accidental releases of hazardous gases. The dispute lasted several years and attracted legal and public scrutiny.
Source
1940
IG Farben’s Nazi-era forced labor and Zyklon B history
BASF’s predecessor within IG Farben participated in the Nazi war economy, used forced labor and was connected through an affiliate to the production of Zyklon B used in the Holocaust. IG Farben was dissolved after the war.
Source
1921
Oppau explosion
A fertilizer-related explosion at BASF’s Oppau site killed hundreds of people and injured thousands, becoming one of the most serious industrial accidents in German history.
Source

Marketing campaigns

We create chemistry for a sustainable future
Global
BASF has used sustainability-centered corporate communications to position chemistry as an enabler of lower-resource products, renewable-energy systems, efficient agriculture and lower-carbon manufacturing.
Outcome. Ongoing corporate positioning
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Ludwigshafen cost-reduction programStrategy
Background
High European energy costs and difficult market conditions pressured BASF’s Ludwigshafen operations.
Action taken
BASF announced the planned closure of one of its two ammonia plants at Ludwigshafen and broader reductions affecting the site.
Aftermath
The plan was expected to reduce production capacity and employment while shifting some growth and investment toward China.
Source
2019
Zhanjiang Verbund siteStrategy
Background
BASF sought to expand integrated production in China and serve regional electronics and automotive demand.
Action taken
The company announced a major investment in an integrated chemical site in Zhanjiang, later approved in 2022.
Aftermath
Initial construction and plant start-ups proceeded during the 2020s, with the broader site planned for phased completion.
Announced investment. US$10 billion (2019 announcement)
Source
2017
Acquisition of Bayer seed and herbicide businessesM&A
Background
Bayer was divesting selected agricultural assets in connection with its acquisition of Monsanto.
Action taken
BASF agreed to purchase seed and herbicide businesses from Bayer.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded BASF’s agricultural portfolio beyond crop-protection chemistry.
Announced purchase price. €5.9 billion (2017)
Source
2006
Engelhard acquisitionM&A
Background
BASF sought to expand its catalysts and specialty-materials capabilities.
Action taken
BASF acquired Engelhard.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened BASF’s catalysts and performance-materials activities.
Purchase price. $4.8 billion (2006)
Source
1925
Formation of IG FarbenM&A
Background
German chemical companies sought greater scale and integration across dyes, fertilizers, fuels, rubber and related products.
Action taken
BASF combined with Bayer, Hoechst and other companies to form IG Farben.
Aftermath
BASF lost its independent identity until IG Farben was dissolved and BASF was re-established after the Second World War.
Source

Recent events

2025
BASF agrees to sell coatings business to Carlyle-managed funds while retaining a minority stake[10]BASF agrees to sell coatings business to Carlyle-managed funds while retaining a minority stakebasf-coatings.com
M&A
BASF announced an agreement concerning its automotive OEM coatings, refinish coatings and surface-treatment activities. The transaction was described as subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, with BASF retaining 40 percent.
2025
BASF reflects on the IG Farben legacy[9]IG Farben’s cooperation with the Nazi regime and forced laborbasf.com
Other
BASF’s corporate-history materials discuss the company’s predecessor relationship with IG Farben, the incomplete state of historical research and the evolution from limited public discussion toward reassessment and historical responsibility.
2025
BASF and Carlyle agree transaction for coatings business[11]BASF and Carlyle agree transaction for coatings businessbasf.com
M&A
BASF agreed to transfer its automotive OEM coatings, refinish coatings and surface-treatment businesses to a Carlyle-led investment structure involving Qatar Investment Authority, subject to regulatory approval.
2025
BASF presents Agricultural Solutions management board[12]BASF presents Agricultural Solutions management boardbasf.com
Leadership change
BASF announced a management structure for its planned standalone agricultural business and identified Livio Tedeschi as its incoming management-board leader.
2025
Heather Remley appointed CEO of BASF Corporation[13]Heather Remley appointed CEO of BASF Corporationroi-nj.com
Leadership change
Heather Remley was appointed president and CEO of BASF Corporation, leading the company’s North American affiliate.
2024
BASF completes acquisition of an MDI production plant and associated precursor facilities[14]BASF completes acquisition of an MDI production plant and associated precursor facilitiesreport.basf.com
M&A · Other
BASF completed the acquisition of one of two MDI plants, together with aniline and nitrobenzene precursor facilities and production employees.
2024
BASF announces planned Agricultural Solutions listing preparation[15]BASF announces planned Agricultural Solutions listing preparationagriculture.basf.com
M&A
BASF announced preparations for a potential partial IPO of Agricultural Solutions and set a target of achieving IPO readiness by 2027 while retaining majority ownership if the transaction proceeds.
2023
BASF plans Ludwigshafen ammonia-capacity reduction[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
Bankruptcy
BASF announced plans to close one of two ammonia plants at Ludwigshafen amid high European energy costs and a broader cost-reduction program.
2023
BASF breaks ground on Zhanjiang syngas plant[1]BASFen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The company began construction of a syngas plant at its Zhanjiang site as part of the planned integrated chemical complex.
2022
BASF launches We Love EVs campaign[16]BASF launches We Love EVs campaignadsoftheworld.com
Campaign · Other
A campaign presented electric vehicles as an area where chemistry can support emissions reduction and further technological development.

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