- BASF invests a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant in Ludwigshafen.
- The plant will produce biological fungicides, seed treatments, and Inscalis® insecticide.
- Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2025.
- The plant will employ 30 people.
Investment and Purpose
BASF is investing a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant at its Ludwigshafen site. The facility will manufacture biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products, including biological fungicides and seed treatments. Additionally, it will produce the main building block of Inscalis®, a novel insecticide derived from a fungal strain.
Production and Employment
The plant will employ 30 people across production, logistics, engineering, and maintenance. It will utilize microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials like glucose into desired products through fermentation. This process is noted for its flexibility, allowing for the future introduction of more innovative biotechnology-derived products.
Timeline and Strategic Importance
Commissioning of the plant is scheduled for the second half of 2025. According to Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions, the investment addresses the growing demand for biological crop protection products and strengthens BASF's competitive portfolio in this area.
Technological and Environmental Benefits
Christian Aucoin, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at BASF Agricultural Solutions, highlighted that the development represents a step towards innovative manufacturing processes with lower energy intensity, based on renewable raw materials. The Ludwigshafen site offers excellent synergies due to its infrastructure, integration into an existing high-performance production organization, and proximity to research units like White Biotechnology.
