BASF Expands Neopor Production Capacity by 50,000 MTPA at Ludwigshafen Site

BASF is enhancing its styrene value chain at its Ludwigshafen site by increasing the production capacity of Neopor® by 50,000 metric tons annually to meet growing demand for the grey insulation material. The new production facilities are set to launch by early 2027, addressing the rising need for energy-efficient building insulation solutions across Europe. Neopor® is a graphite-enhanced expandable polystyrene (EPS) granulate that BASF developed as a raw material for insulation, providing improved performance for building envelopes. The graphite content not only gives Neopor® its distinctive grey color but also boosts its insulation efficiency by up to 30% compared to standard white EPS. This innovative insulation material has become a standard in both new construction and renovations.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer, highlights Neopor®'s significant contribution to sustainability, noting that under BASF’s “TripleS” (Sustainable Solution Steering) evaluation method, Neopor® is rated as a “Pioneer” in the highest category. He explains, "Our goal is to be the preferred chemical company enabling our customers’ green transformation. Neopor® exemplifies how BASF can support this vision." The European Union's climate-neutral goals for the building sector by 2050 and the stringent requirements of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) are expected to drive demand for energy-efficient building materials like Neopor® in the coming years.

Dr. Klaus Ries, Head of Business Management Styrenics Europe at BASF, stresses that well-insulated buildings are key to reducing emissions and achieving climate goals, supporting efficient heating and cooling practices. Neopor® insulation materials significantly cut CO2 emissions and energy use over their lifespan, offering excellent insulation values, easy processing, affordability, and recyclability. They are among the most eco-efficient options for insulation.

In addition to classic Neopor®, BASF offers Neopor® BMB and Neopor® Mcycled™ for optimized sustainability profiles. Neopor® BMB, produced with renewable raw materials in place of fossil resources at the start of its value chain, has a substantially reduced CO2 footprint. This renewable allocation is certified through the REDcert2 mass balance approach. Neopor® Mcycled™ incorporates mechanically recycled EPS waste, closing the recycling loop for EPS insulation materials. Both products are REDcert2 certified, further supporting sustainable construction by reducing the CO2 impact of buildings while maintaining the same quality and insulation performance as traditional Neopor®. Through these products, BASF aims to make significant contributions to energy-efficient and climate-friendly construction solutions in line with Europe’s sustainability goals.

BASF is committed to fostering chemistry for a sustainable future, blending economic success with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. With approximately 112,000 employees worldwide, the BASF Group supports customers across nearly all industries and countries. The company's portfolio is divided into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2023, BASF reported sales of €68.9 billion.