BASF SE, an acronym for Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik, is a European multinational chemical company and the largest chemical producer globally. Founded on April 6, 1865, by Friedrich Engelhorn in Mannheim, Baden, Germany, its headquarters are now located in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF's operational scope is extensive, with subsidiaries and joint ventures in over 80 countries. The company operates six integrated production sites and 390 other production sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa, serving customers in over 190 countries and supplying products to a wide array of industries.
At its core, BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future, aiming to be the preferred chemical company for enabling its customers' green transformation. This mission involves combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The company's portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. These segments cater to diverse markets, including construction, automotive, agriculture, electronics, paints and coatings, home care, and nutrition. BASF's product line is comprehensive, featuring chemicals, plastics, performance products, catalysts, coatings, crop technology, and formerly, crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. Through science and innovation, BASF enables its customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society, with products and solutions that contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition, and improving quality of life. The company's recent strategy has focused on creating resource-efficient product lines and has emphasized integrated production sites, the largest of which is in Ludwigshafen.
BASF has a significant history, including its involvement with IG Farben during World War II. After IG Farben was dissolved, BASF was reconstituted in 1952 and has since grown substantially. The company is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. As of the end of 2023, BASF employed approximately 112,000 people. The company actively engages in research and development, often in collaboration with global customers, scientists, and partners. BASF's commitment to sustainability is a core tenet of its operations, aiming to contribute to a world that provides a viable future with an enhanced quality of life for everyone.