BASF's 10,000 R&D personnel will focus on these three directions in the future!

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the BASF Executive Board and Chief Technology Officer, stated: "Our long-term goal is to further enhance the sales and profitability of innovative and improved products—especially those that drive sustainable technologies."

In 2024, BASF continued to maintain its leading position in the chemical industry in terms of both the quantity and quality of patents, submitting 1,159 new patent applications throughout the year, with approximately 45% specifically focusing on the field of sustainable development.

Despite facing economic challenges, BASF's R&D investment for 2024 remains at a high level of 2.1 billion euros, continuing to lead the industry. The company plans to maintain the same scale of R&D budget in 2025.

"Innovation is the key to achieving our 'Winning Path' new strategic goals. Our product and process innovations not only help our customers succeed in the market but also assist them in reaching their sustainable development goals," said Cotrade.

Future R&D work will focus on green transformation technologies, including biodegradable materials, sustainable value chain processes, and innovative solutions for the plastic circular economy. The company will also accelerate digital transformation—applying digital tools in R&D to bring more advanced technologies to market at a faster pace.

BASF launched a series of innovative products in 2024 focusing on sustainability, materials innovation, and agricultural technology. Below are detailed introductions to the main products.

Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy

Ultramid® Ccycled® polyamide: Utilizing chemical recycling technology, post-consumer plastic waste (such as used tires) is converted into pyrolysis oil, which serves as a raw material for production. Certified through a mass balance approach, it effectively reduces carbon footprint while ensuring product performance is consistent with traditional polyamides.

VAUDE outdoor pants made from Ultramid recycled material

"Design for Recycling" PU foam technology: The recycling process of polyurethane foam has been optimized to achieve streamlined recycling, further promoting the plastic industry towards the direction of a circular economy.

LooPamid® Polyamide 6: This is the world's first polyamide 6 produced entirely from textile waste, suitable for the production of clothing and accessories. This technology enables the recycling and reuse of industrial textile waste as well as old garments, and supports multiple cycles of reuse.

Haptex® 4.0 polyurethane synthetic leather: Through innovative formula design, this synthetic leather can achieve 100% recycling without the need for interlayer delamination. It has excellent heat resistance and yellowing resistance, and the production process does not use organic solvents, making it both environmentally friendly and economical.

IrgaCycle® additive series: primarily used to enhance the quality and efficiency of plastic recycling, playing an important role in the mechanical recycling process. For example, it can help convert discarded fishing nets into car speaker frames and upgrade plastic pallets into storage boxes.

Agricultural Science and Technology

Mibelya fungicide: composed of fluopyram and chlorothalonil, it is effective in controlling diseases such as black spot and anthracnose on crops like tomatoes, apples, and potatoes.

Vinquo Insecticide: With bifenthrin as the active ingredient, it has a unique mode of action against piercing-sucking pests such as whiteflies on tomatoes and potatoes, helping to delay the development of resistance.

Revy Lok™ bactericide: specifically designed for soybean cultivation, effectively controls diseases such as Phakopsora leaf spot and gray spot, thereby increasing soybean yield.

Axant™ Flex Cotton Trait System: Combines a new herbicide resistance gene with high-quality cotton varieties to provide cotton farmers with a more flexible weed management solution.

Endura Pro fungicide: primarily used for the control of diseases in potatoes, effectively resisting early blight and white mold, helping to improve potato yields.

Other innovative products

Elastollan® bio-based TPU: While maintaining the same mechanical properties as traditional thermoplastic polyurethane, it is made from bio-based raw materials and can be used in the production of textile fibers and non-woven fabrics.

Blockchain Tracking Cotton (CSF): In collaboration with partners in Greece, we have developed a transparent blockchain platform that tracks the carbon footprint of cotton from seed to stitching and supports the production of regenerated cotton.

Fiber bonding technology: It can transform waste materials such as coffee grounds and paper cups into building materials or industrial materials, for example, flooring made from denim waste.

Automotive paint ChemCycling® clear coat: produced using chemical recycling technology, it can reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance the sustainability of the automotive refinish industry.

Personal Care Innovation: Launched Epi Spot™ active ingredient, extracted from willow bark, to improve sensitive skin and regulate sebum production; simultaneously developed AI-driven silicone alternatives and a digital formula management platform.

These innovative products fully demonstrate BASF's comprehensive strength in materials science, agricultural technology, and sustainable development, providing strong support for various industries to address environmental challenges through technological breakthroughs.