BASF to shut down adipic acid, CDon and CPon production units at Ludwigshafen site in first half of 2025

BASF will stop the production of adipic acid, cyclododecanone (CDon) and cyclopentanone (CPon) at the Ludwigshafen site. The CDon and CPon production units will be shut down in the first half of 2025, and the remaining adipic acid production in Ludwigshafen will also be shut down within 2025.

The company has made this decision as part of an ongoing strategic review of its production setup at the Ludwigshafen site to ensure competitiveness under changing market conditions.

As part of the restructuring of the Ludwigshafen site's integration announced in February 2023, adipic acid production capacity has been reduced. The remaining adipic acid production continues in part to ensure the supply of raw materials for the production of CDon and CPon. BASF will stop deliveries of CDon and CPon in close coordination with its customers.

Around 180 employees will be affected by the plant closure. BASF will support the affected employees in finding new employment opportunities within the BASF Group.

“BASF is taking this step to ensure profitability of the Verbund value chain by adapting the production structure to the changing market conditions. We will remain in close contact with our customers to minimize the impact of the closures.”

“We will continue to produce adipic acid in Onsan, South Korea, as well as in the joint venture in Charamphe, France.”

“The closure of these sites is part of the long-term goal of transforming the Ludwigshafen site,” said Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel, member of the Board of Executive Director of BASF SE, Director of Industrial Relations and Site Director Ludwigshafen. “We support the affected colleagues in finding new opportunities quickly at BASF.”

CDon is the main raw material for the production of lauryl lactam, a precursor for the high-performance plastic polyamide 12 (PA 12). CDon is also used in the synthesis of musk fragrances and UV stabilizers. CPon is used as a base for the synthesis of crop protection agents and active pharmaceutical ingredients, as a solvent in semiconductor manufacturing and as a precursor for the production of specialty fragrances. Adipic acid is used in the production of polyamides, polyurethanes, coatings and adhesives, etc.