BASF Expands Aroma Ingredients Production in China and Germany

Investment and Expansion

BASF is investing in a new citral plant at its Verbund site in Zhanjiang, China, and menthol and linalool downstream plants at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. These plants are expected to be operational from 2026 onwards. The investment aims to meet the growing demand from the global flavor and fragrance market.

Increased Production Capacity

This expansion will diversify BASF’s aroma ingredients’ citral value chain in Germany and Malaysia, supporting customer growth opportunities. The new citral plant in China will enhance BASF’s position in key growth regions and increase the production of a wide range of aroma ingredients and downstream products globally. The annual citral production capacity will rise to 118,000 metric tons.

Sustainability Initiatives

The integration of new plants into the Verbund sites in China and Germany will optimize resource use and create synergies. At the Zhanjiang site, BASF plans to power the entire site with renewable electricity by 2025. Advanced automation and process technologies will be implemented to reduce energy consumption and emissions. The new menthol and linalool plants in Ludwigshafen will leverage existing Verbund structures and advanced production technologies.

Commitment to Lower Carbon Footprint

BASF’s Zhanjiang site aims to be a model for sustainable production, influencing the decision to locate the new citral plant there. The company is committed to reducing CO2 emissions in its value chain and the carbon footprint of its aroma ingredients portfolio. BASF will also use its biomass balance approach to meet the demand for renewable aroma ingredients and further develop its fermentation-based portfolio through its subsidiary, Isobionics, in the Netherlands.