BASF has expanded its manufacturing capabilities in the United States to produce Licity anode binders, reinforcing its support for the rapidly advancing lithium-ion battery sector. This expansion allows BASF to offer its Licity portfolio on a global scale, ensuring availability across all regions. The company recognizes that local raw material supply and worldwide accessibility will remain key concerns for battery manufacturers and OEMs in the coming years.

The Licity portfolio enhances BASF’s existing manufacturing capabilities in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and strengthens its extensive technical expertise. Currently, BASF manufactures SBR binders for electric vehicle batteries at facilities in Jiangsu and Guangdong, China, as well as in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Hamina, Finland. With this latest expansion, the company has added production sites in Monaca, Pennsylvania, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Although anode binders represent a small component in battery production, they play a crucial role in influencing battery performance and stability. BASF’s water-based anode binders provide a sustainable, high-quality option with stable performance. These innovative binders enhance battery capacity, improve cycle stability, and reduce charging time. Furthermore, Licity binders can be tailored to meet specific requirements, including various technical needs for pure graphite or silicon-containing anodes. Their applications extend across multiple sectors, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics.

BASF remains committed to delivering a comprehensive portfolio that aligns with the dynamic North American battery market. “This is a significant advancement for the North American battery industry,” stated Denise Hartmann, Senior Vice President of Dispersions & Resins Americas at BASF. “With the expansion of Licity anode binder production in the United States, we are excited to support the growth of our customers worldwide.”

Designed to address the challenges of lithium-ion batteries, BASF’s binders are waterborne with high colloidal stability, making them highly compatible with co-binders like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). These binders exhibit superior processability and outstanding coating performance. Additionally, they possess excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties, further optimizing battery performance and longevity.

Through this expansion, BASF reinforces its dedication to innovation and sustainability, ensuring that customers worldwide have access to advanced solutions for lithium-ion battery technology. By scaling up its manufacturing capabilities, BASF continues to position itself as a key player in the evolving battery industry, addressing the increasing demand for high-performance and sustainable energy storage solutions.

BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF SE. The headquarters for BASF Corporation is in Florham Park, New Jersey. BASF SE is located in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF employs about 16,000 people in North America. In 2024, BASF had sales of $19.7 billion.