BASF Invests in New Alkoxide Plant in Ludwigshafen

BASF will invest millions of euros in a new alkoxide plant at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The plant will produce sodium methoxide and potassium methoxide, two important chemicals used in the production of biodiesel as well as in pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. The new plant, which uses state-of-the-art technology, will replace the existing production facilities in Ludwigshafen and is expected to start production in the second half of 2027.

“This investment once again demonstrates BASF’s strong commitment to the Ludwigshafen site,” said Dr. Katja Scharpwinkel, member of the BASF Board of Management and head of the Ludwigshafen site. “By building state-of-the-art production facilities, we are driving the transformation of the site and increasing our competitiveness in the global market environment. This is how we put our ‘Winning Ways’ strategy into action and create long-term value for the company headquarters.”

“Industries in Europe and around the world rely on the high-quality alkoxides we produce in Ludwigshafen. We invest in efficient, integrated and future-oriented production processes because our priority is to continue to be a reliable supplier of alkoxides to our customers in the future,” said Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomer Division.

BASF is a leading supplier of alkoxides for various applications. The new plant in Ludwigshafen complements BASF’s recently completed expansion of sodium methoxide production in Guaratingueta, Brazil.

Among other uses, alkoxides are used as catalysts and reactants in a variety of industries, primarily in biodiesel and pharmaceutical or agricultural applications. The investment thus supports the growing market for life science products and the continued demand for biodiesel.