BASF Fully Acquires Alsachimie to Secure 1.22 Million Tons Polyamide Backbone

On May 28, BASF announced the full acquisition of Alsachimie, taking over the remaining 49% stake from partner Domo Chemicals. The joint venture, founded in 2020, was previously split with BASF holding 51%. Once completed by mid-2025, the German giant will become the sole owner of the key polyamide precursor facility on the Franco-German border.

Alsachimie manufactures essential components for PA66 production, including KA oil, adipic acid, and AH salt. The site plays a pivotal role in BASF’s European supply chain, particularly for PA66 precursors, bolstering its Chalampé plant’s strategic strength. Full ownership enables enhanced integration of critical raw materials, reinforcing BASF’s regional production autonomy.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, BASF Europe Board Member, emphasized the significance: “Securing a stable European supply of PA66 intermediates is mission-critical. This acquisition solidifies our leadership and strengthens long-term collaboration with key sectors like automotive and textiles.”

Domo Chemicals CEO Yves Bonte added that the divestment aligns with Domo’s focus on tailored polyamide solutions for automotive, consumer goods, industrial, and electronics sectors.

BASF boasts one of the broadest portfolios of polyamides globally, offering PA66 (Ultramid® A), PA6 (Ultramid® B), PA610 (Ultramid® S Balance), and specialty grades like PA6T/6 and bio-based variants. In China, the company has steadily expanded its footprint, most notably in Shanghai, where its PA6 and PA66 production reached 75,000 tons and 45,000 tons per year, respectively, after a 2022 expansion.

Following the 2020 acquisition of Solvay’s PA66 business, BASF’s polyamide capacity in China surged from 120,000 to 170,000 tons annually. Globally, by the end of 2023, BASF reported a polyamide intermediates capacity of 1.22 million tons per year, with PA6 and PA66 materials totaling 885,000 tons per year.

In its push for sustainability, BASF has made strong progress in bio-based and recycled polyamides. A 2024 collaboration with Huawei led to lightweight smart glasses frames using Ultramid® with 39% bio-based content. Its loopamid® plant in Shanghai, launched in March 2025, produces 500 tons annually of PA6 entirely from post-consumer and post-industrial textile waste, including discarded garments.

The company’s recycled and bio-based offerings, such as Ultramid® BMB Cert™ and Ccycled®, are ISCC+ certified. In partnership with Inditex, BASF recently launched the world’s first nylon jacket made from 100% textile waste. These innovations reflect a deepening commitment to circular materials and climate goals, setting the tone for the next chapter of global polyamide leadership.