Renewable Raw Materials

Friesenheim Island

Why do we use renewable raw materials at BASF?

First of all, renewable raw materials may feature unique properties and functionalities that are either impossible or very difficult to create using fossil resources. Production based on renewable raw materials may thereby save costs and at the same time often enables innovation. In addition to that using renewable raw materials helps to save fossil resources and may contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We evaluate the impact on the environment during production and the use of products based on renewable raw materials using life cycle analysis methods. The comparison of life cycle analysis of competing products shows which alternative is more sustainable. We also see that customers are increasingly interested in products based on renewable raw materials as they are often perceived as healthier, more natural and having a positive environmental impact. Last, but not least the use of renewable raw materials broadens our raw materials basis and thus reduces the dependency on fossil resources.

In 2017, around 5% of the raw materials we purchased worldwide were from renewable resources. These renewable raw materials are derived from various value chains, vegetable oils, fats, grains, sugars and wood.

Dedicated bio-based production

BASFs dedicated bio-based portfolio offers solutions for multiple applications. Either as substitute for a fossil alternative (so called drop-ins) to reduce the carbon footprint or new products using their unique properties that can either not or not cost-efficiently be achieved with a fossil feedstock.

Biomass Balance Approach

BASF’s biomass balance approach contributes to the use of renewable raw materials in its integrated production system and can be applied to the majority of products in its portfolio.