BASF SE has recently inaugurated a new production line for water-based dispersions at its facility in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. This new line is designed to increase production capacity while adhering to BASF’s sustainability goals, as it will not result in additional CO2 emissions. The expansion leverages the existing infrastructure and buildings at the site, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The newly installed production line will operate using electrical power, sourced entirely from green energy provided by the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm. This wind farm is part of a joint venture between BASF, Vattenfall, and Allianz, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to clean, renewable energy.

Sjoerd Visser, Site Manager at BASF’s Heerenveen location, expressed pride in achieving this expansion without increasing CO2 emissions. “Our site aims to become CO2 neutral and contribute to BASF’s overarching climate protection objectives,” Visser said. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to grow while providing products with a lower environmental footprint. The Heerenveen facility is not only aligned with BASF’s global climate strategy, but it is also positioned to help meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions within the coatings, printing, and packaging sectors, which are undergoing significant transitions due to evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendly options.

Visser highlighted the strategic importance of the new production line, which will help BASF meet the growing need for products that facilitate the shift from plastic to paper-based packaging. Additionally, the new line will enhance the functionality of BASF’s water-based products, such as providing barrier properties to packaging materials. Furthermore, it will allow BASF to expand its portfolio of bio-based products within the printing, packaging, and coatings markets. These products offer sustainable alternatives that not only reduce the ecological footprint but also provide high performance in their respective applications.

Among the key products that will benefit from the increased production capacity are Joncryl and Acronal Pro. Joncryl is a water-based polymer product that is both environmentally and food-safe, making it ideal for use in sustainable inks for food packaging. This product helps extend the shelf life of packaging inks, while also reducing their environmental impact. Acronal Pro, on the other hand, is a water-based polymer used in paints and varnishes to enhance color and gloss durability. Both products are key to meeting the growing market demand for eco-friendly solutions in various industries.

The Heerenveen site is particularly well-suited for this investment due to its established infrastructure and the expertise of its workforce. Despite the challenges currently facing the European industry—such as the transition to climate neutrality, the shift towards circularity, the rise of digitalization, and the implementation of the EU's Chemical Strategy for Sustainability—BASF remains committed to innovation. Visser concluded, “With our dedicated innovation team here in Heerenveen, we are addressing these challenges head-on, and we intend to continue being a key player in Europe for our customers.”