BASF invests in new alcoholates plant in Ludwigshafen

BASF is investing a mid-double-digit million-euro amount in a new alcoholates plant at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The plant will produce sodium methylate and potassium methylate, two important chemicals used for the production of biodiesel and for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the new plant will replace the existing production facility in Ludwigshafen and is expected to start up in the second half of 2027.

“This investment is another proof of BASF’s strong commitment to its Ludwigshafen site,” said Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Director of the Ludwigshafen site. “By building advanced production facilities, we are driving the transformation of the site and enhancing our competitiveness in a global market environment. This is how we put our ‘Winning Ways’ strategy into action and create long-term value for our company’s headquarters.”

“Various industries in Europe and around the globe rely on the high-quality alcoholates we produce in Ludwigshafen,” said Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of the Monomers division at BASF. “We are investing in an efficient, Verbund-integrated and future-oriented production process because it is our priority to remain a reliable supplier of alcoholates to our customers in the future.”

BASF is a leading supplier of alcoholates for various applications. The new plant in Ludwigshafen complements BASF’s recently completed expansion of its sodium methylate production in Guaratinguetá, Brazil.

Among other uses, alcoholates serve as catalysts and reactants in various industries, mainly for biodiesel and in pharma, or agricultural applications. Thus, the investment supports the growing market for life science products and the continuous demand for biodiesel.