On September 3, 2026, BASF officially inaugurated its modernized acid chlorides and chloroformates production facilities at Ludwigshafen, Germany. The low three-digit million-euro project increases local capacity by approximately 30% and supplies intermediates used in pharmaceuticals, crop protection, coatings, plastics, rubber and organic peroxides.
The project involved a comprehensive modernization of BASF's existing production facilities rather than an entry into a new product segment.
BASF already produces acid chlorides and chloroformates at Ludwigshafen in Germany and Yeosu in South Korea.
The company previously reported combined global annual capacity of around 60,000 metric tons for acid chlorides, chloroformates and alkyl chlorides.
These products are used primarily as chemical intermediates.
Major downstream applications include pharmaceuticals, crop protection products, organic peroxides, coatings, plastics and rubber compounds.
Following the modernization, production capacity for the relevant products at Ludwigshafen has increased by around 30%.
BASF has also changed the electricity sourcing for part of the portfolio.
Since 2025, the company has used renewable electricity certificates for approximately 25 acid chloride and chloroformate products produced at Ludwigshafen, including parts of the upstream raw-material process.
According to BASF, the change has reduced the portfolio's average product carbon footprint by around 19%.
Product specifications and certifications remain unchanged, meaning customers do not need to modify existing qualification or purchasing procedures.
The investment comes at a time when European chemical producers continue to face weak utilization rates, high energy costs and pressure from lower-cost overseas competitors.
BASF's decision to invest a low three-digit million-euro amount at Ludwigshafen is focused on an established specialty-intermediates business where the company already has production, technology and customer relationships.
The new capacity is now operational and will support BASF's supply of acid chlorides and chloroformates to customers in multiple downstream industries.
