BASF has announced a significant investment in a new alcoholates production facility at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany. The company plans to spend a mid-double-digit million-euro sum to construct the plant, which will produce sodium methylate and potassium methylate—critical chemicals used in biodiesel production, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural applications. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing production unit at Ludwigshafen and is slated to begin operations in the second half of 2027, reports BASF.
Dr Katja Scharpwinkel, a member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors and Director of the Ludwigshafen site, emphasised the importance of the investment. “This project underscores BASF’s strong commitment to the Ludwigshafen site,” she said. “By building advanced production facilities, we are driving the transformation of the site and strengthening our competitiveness in the global market. This investment aligns with our ‘Winning Ways’ strategy and creates long-term value for our company’s headquarters.”
Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers division, highlighted the significance of alcoholates in various industries. “Customers across Europe and around the world depend on the high-quality alcoholates we produce in Ludwigshafen,” he said. “This investment in an efficient, Verbund-integrated, and future-oriented production process ensures that we remain a reliable supplier of alcoholates for years to come.”
Alcoholates, which serve as catalysts and reactants, are essential for a range of applications, including biodiesel production, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The new plant will support the growing demand for life science products and the steady need for biodiesel.
The Ludwigshafen facility complements BASF’s recent expansion of sodium methylate production in Guaratinguetá, Brazil, further solidifying the company’s position as a leading global supplier of alcoholates. This investment reflects BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of its customers worldwide.
