On December 12, 2024, BASF officially opened its new Catalyst Development and Solids Processing Center in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This advanced research facility is designed to serve as a key hub for the pilot-scale synthesis of chemical catalysts, enabling BASF to accelerate the delivery of innovative technologies to its global customers. The center will also play a crucial role in advancing new solids processing technologies.

Dr. Helmut Winterling, President of Group Research at BASF, emphasized the importance of the new facility in enabling more focused and rapid development of catalyst and process technologies essential for the green transformation. He noted that the cutting-edge process equipment will support both BASF’s research activities and its efforts to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. This investment further strengthens BASF’s long-term research and development capabilities at the Ludwigshafen site.

Catalysts are vital in industrial chemistry, as they are involved in over 80 percent of all chemical production processes. They help reduce energy consumption, minimize unwanted by-products, and optimize raw material use, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of products. Catalysts are employed across a wide range of industries, including chemicals, petrochemicals, and the green transition processes. BASF is not only developing catalyst and process technologies for its global customers but also utilizing them in its own manufacturing plants.

At the new center, BASF will focus on the development and optimization of innovative catalyst processes and technologies. Dr. Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President of Process Catalysts at BASF, highlighted how the center’s technical capabilities will enhance the company’s competitive edge in the global market. It will also allow BASF to more efficiently transition laboratory-developed catalysts to production scale and provide high-quality pilot samples to customers. This flexibility is vital for responding to market needs and delivering new technological solutions faster, an essential factor for the successful launch of new products.

The Catalyst Development and Solids Processing Center was built over a three-year period to replace an older facility. The new building features state-of-the-art safety measures and is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for research and development. BASF invested a substantial amount in this project, reflecting its commitment to advancing the future of research and development in the field of chemical catalysts.

BASF is dedicated to creating chemistry for a sustainable future, blending economic success with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. With approximately 112,000 employees across the BASF Group, the company supports its customers in nearly every industry and country worldwide. BASF's extensive portfolio encompasses six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2023, the company reported sales of €68.9 billion.