BASF SE

BASF SE has announced a strategic partnership with NEO Corporate Public Company Limited to develop innovative solutions in the personal care industry. The collaboration will focus on delivering advanced formulations, ingredient technologies and emerging trends, combining BASF's expertise in ingredient and formulation science with NEO Corporate's understanding of consumer preferences and product development. The companies aim to convert emerging consumer trends into differentiated solutions that help brands create greater value and identify new growth opportunities. BASFY's shares have gained 9.9% over the past year compared with the industry's 3.7% rise.

BASF reported second quarter 2026 earnings with sales of €17,206 million and net income of €4,144 million, while the most followed narrative places its fair value at about €52.55, implying the stock is roughly 4% undervalued relative to the last close of €50.40. The company is executing on portfolio optimization by divesting lower-growth businesses such as Decorative Paints and Coatings, and preparing to IPO its high-margin Agricultural Solutions division by 2027, moves expected to unlock value and support group-level earnings resilience. Recent share price performance has been mixed, with a 7-day return of 3.77% and a 30-day return of 7.70%, contrasting with a 90-day decline of 7.93% and a one-year total shareholder return of 25.83%. Risks remain, including prolonged low margins in base chemicals and possible setbacks on planned divestments or the Agricultural Solutions IPO.

The global chromium salt market is projected to grow from 4.9 billion dollars in 2026 to 6.6 billion dollars by 2033, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market was valued at 4.7 billion dollars in 2025 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 4.5 percent from 2026 to 2033. Asia Pacific dominated with a 46.3 percent revenue share in 2025, driven by its extensive manufacturing base and demand from leather, textile, and industrial chemical sectors. The 85-page study profiles key players including BASF, Lanxess, and eight other companies, and covers product segments such as chromium sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and acetate across end uses like leather, automotive, construction, and textiles.

The global pentaerythritol triacrylate reactive diluent market is projected to grow from $1.23 billion in 2025 to $1.70 billion by 2030, according to a new 250-page report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market is expected to reach $1.31 billion in 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%, and then expand at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2030. Growth is driven by rising demand for UV-curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and electronics applications, with Asia-Pacific leading demand and North America offering the fastest expansion potential. The report profiles 20 major companies including BASF SE, Wanhua Chemical Group, and Evonik Industries, and highlights trends such as bio-based formulations and strategic distribution partnerships like the one between IGM Resins and IDCC Global Chem in India.

Since late July, the global polyurethane raw materials market has seen a wave of concentrated price hikes. Domestic and international chemical giants such as Wanhua Chemical, Huntsman, and BASF have successively issued price adjustment notices for MDI and TDI products. Downstream TPU leader Miracll Chemicals also raised product prices simultaneously. Wanhua Chemical announced that effective July 29, it would raise MDI and TDI prices in Southeast Asia by 200 US dollars per tonne. Huntsman raised all MDI product prices in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East by 250 euros per tonne, with the new prices taking effect on August 1, 2026. At the same time, it raised MDI and polyurethane systems prices in India and the Indian subcontinent by 300 US dollars per tonne. Shanghai Huntsman's August list price for polymeric MDI rose by 1,500 yuan per tonne to 19,500 yuan per tonne. BASF Shanghai's August list price for TDI rose by 1,000 yuan per tonne to 19,000 yuan per tonne. The price adjustments are mainly due to significantly higher raw material and logistics costs caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Currently, global MDI production capacity is highly concentrated. Wanhua Chemical leads with 3.8 million tonnes per year, followed by BASF with 2.07 million tonnes per year, Covestro with 1.77 million tonnes per year, Huntsman with 1.37 million tonnes per year, and Dow with 1.11 million tonnes per year. On the supply side, concentrated maintenance shutdowns of multiple plants are tightening supply. On the demand side, China's MDI exports in the first half of 2026 reached 505,000 tonnes, up 22.5 percent year-on-year, with June exports alone hitting 109,000 tonnes, a sharp increase of 56.4 percent year-on-year. Institutions are bullish on the industry's upward cycle. Wanhua Chemical expects first-half net profit of 9.8 billion to 10.4 billion yuan, up over 60 percent year-on-year. TDI producer Cangzhou Dahua expects first-half net profit of 101 million yuan, up about 330.75 percent year-on-year.

BASF reported a 54% increase in EBITDA before special items to EUR2.4 billion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by volume growth and higher specific margins. Net income improved by EUR4.2 billion to EUR5.1 billion, including a EUR3.5 billion disposal gain from the completed Coatings transaction with Carlyle, which brought in cash consideration of EUR5.8 billion. Free cash flow turned negative to minus EUR1.6 billion in the first half, impacted by higher working capital and restructuring spending, while net debt declined by EUR4.2 billion to EUR17 billion. The company is on track to achieve its annual cost savings target of around EUR2.3 billion by year-end, with a current run rate of EUR2 billion, and has reduced around 7,000 positions since January 2024. Full-year 2026 EBITDA before special items is forecast between EUR6.9 billion and EUR7.7 billion, with free cash flow expected between EUR1.5 billion and EUR2.3 billion.

The global hexamethylenediamine market is projected to grow from USD 9.55 billion in 2025 to USD 18.59 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.58 percent, according to SNS Insider. Nylon synthesis held the largest application share at 42 percent in 2025, driven by demand for nylon 6,6 in automotive, electronics, and textiles. The automotive end-use industry accounted for 32 percent of the market, supported by lightweighting trends and electric vehicle component manufacturing. Asia Pacific was the largest regional market with a 38 percent share, led by China and India, while North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region. Key players include INVISTA, Ascend Performance Materials, BASF SE, and Evonik Industries.

The global isobutanol market is projected to grow from USD 0.74 billion in 2025 to USD 1.89 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 38%, according to a new report by Custom Market Insights. The market was valued at approximately USD 0.74 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 0.81 billion in 2026. Growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable biofuel components, increased use in specialty chemicals and coatings, expansion of bio-based production, and advancements in fermentation technologies. The bio-based isobutanol segment is the largest and fastest-growing, while the Asia Pacific region holds the top market position and shows the highest growth rate. Key players include Gevo Inc., OQ Chemicals GmbH, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

BASF Agricultural Solutions has begun the registration process for Replexor Active, a novel PPO herbicide with broad-spectrum activity on both broadleaf weeds and grasses. First regulatory dossiers were submitted in Brazil and Australia in July 2026, with filings in the United States and Argentina planned for 2027, and first market introductions targeted around 2030 pending approvals. At peak adoption, Replexor Active could support weed management programs covering more than 50 million hectares globally. The active ingredient extends BASF's PPO portfolio, which includes Kixor Active and Tirexor Active, by controlling key annual grasses such as Eleusine indica, Echinochloa spp., and Setaria spp., addressing a gap in resistance management for growers of soybean, corn, and cotton.

The global zeolites market is forecast to grow from USD 16.42 billion in 2025 to USD 28.21 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.19 percent, according to a report by SNS Insider. Synthetic zeolites held a 75 percent market share in 2025 due to their high purity and controllable pore size, while natural zeolites are the fastest-growing product type. Catalysts accounted for about 38 percent of the market in 2025, driven by fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking applications, and detergent builders represent the fastest-growing application segment. North America led the market in 2025, with the United States contributing approximately 87.4 percent of regional revenue, while Asia Pacific was both a dominant share holder and the fastest-growing region, with China holding about 44.8 percent of Asia Pacific revenue. Key players include BASF SE, Albemarle Corporation, Honeywell UOP, and Clariant AG.

The global hydrochloric acid market is projected to grow from USD 2.76 billion in 2025 to USD 5.21 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.03 percent, according to a report by SNS Insider. North America held the largest revenue share in 2025 at approximately 35.1 percent, with the United States contributing 87.4 percent of that regional total. The steel pickling application segment accounted for over 36.5 percent of the market in 2025, while the oil well acidizing segment was the fastest growing. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market, registering a nearly 6.4 percent CAGR from 2026 to 2035, driven by industrialization in China and India. Key players include Olin Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Westlake Corporation, Dow Inc., and BASF SE.

The global sodium chlorite market is projected to grow from USD 287.38 million in 2025 to USD 487.86 million by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.41 percent, according to SNS Insider. The water treatment segment held a 52 percent share in 2025, driven by strict municipal regulations and rising infrastructure investments. North America is forecast to expand at the fastest pace with a CAGR of nearly 6.8 percent, while Asia Pacific accounted for around 44 percent of global revenues in 2025, led by China with 44.8 percent of the region's total. Key players include ERCO Worldwide, Kemira Oyj, and BASF SE, with recent capacity expansions by ERCO Worldwide in 2026 and new product introductions by Kemira Oyj in 2025.

The global nucleating and clarifying agents market is projected to grow from USD 426.33 million in 2025 to USD 868.84 million by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.80 percent. Clarifying agents accounted for 57.3 percent of revenue in 2025, driven by demand for glass-like transparency in polypropylene food packaging, while nucleating agents are expected to post the highest growth rate through 2035. Polypropylene represented about 48 percent of revenue, and packaging was the largest end-user segment at 38 percent. Asia Pacific led with a 44.8 percent share, while North America is forecast to grow fastest at a 7.38 percent CAGR, with the U.S. market alone valued at USD 104.31 million in 2025. Key players include Milliken and Company, BASF SE, and Clariant AG, with recent expansions by Milliken and Songwon Industrial to meet rising demand.

The global polyurethane dispersions market is projected to grow from USD 3.00 billion in 2025 to USD 4.34 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. Solvent-free polyurethane dispersions are expected to be the fastest-growing product type, driven by demand for zero-solvent, low-emission technologies in leather, textiles, packaging, wood coatings, and automotive interiors. Paints and coatings are forecast to lead application growth, supported by low-VOC and environmentally compliant coatings in construction, automotive, and wood applications. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing regional market, with China, India, South Korea, and Indonesia seeing expansion across automotive, textile, construction, and packaging sectors. The report covers companies including Covestro AG, BASF, Dow, Wanhua, Lubrizol, Mitsui Chemicals, Alberdingk Boley, Perstorp, Stahl Holdings, and UBE Corporation.

BASF has completed the sale of its coatings business to global investment firm Carlyle at an enterprise value of €7.7 billion. The transaction, which closed on June 30, 2026, generated approximately €5.8 billion in pre-tax cash proceeds for BASF while the company retains a 40% ownership interest in Surventis, the new entity formed from its former automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings and surface treatment operations. Together with the earlier divestiture of its decorative paints business completed in October 2025, the former Coatings division is valued at an enterprise value of €8.7 billion, representing an implied 2024 EV/EBITDA of approximately 13 times before special items. The gain from the divestiture will be recognized under income after taxes from discontinued operations, boosting BASF Group's net income and earnings per share, while the retained 40% stake in Surventis will be accounted for under the equity method starting in July 2026.

The global AI in cosmetics formulation market is projected to grow from $0.58 billion in 2025 to $1.6 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 22.3%. This growth is driven by rising demand for personalized skincare, advanced data-driven techniques, and rapid product development. Key players include BASF SE, Unilever PLC, and L'Oreal S.A., with North America leading in market size and Asia-Pacific expected to be the fastest-growing region. Innovations such as Nouryon's AI-powered BeautyCreations portal and strategic moves like The Estee Lauder Companies' acquisition of DECIEM Beauty Group highlight industry trends toward enhanced personalization and efficiency.

The global beadlets capsule market is projected to grow from USD 467.26 million in 2025 to USD 968.45 million by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.85%, according to a new report by Healthcare Foresights. The market was valued at USD 499.27 million in 2026. Growth is driven by rising demand for advanced drug delivery systems in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, with vitamin beadlets dominating the type segment and pharmaceuticals leading applications. North America holds the largest market share, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest. Key players include DSM Nutritional Products, BASF SE, Lycored, Watson Inc., and Colorcon Inc.

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the foam insulation industry as manufacturers deploy advanced AI and machine learning systems to optimize production, reduce emissions, and accelerate innovation in customized materials. AI and ML systems are enabling unprecedented accuracy in developing customized grades of rigid foam insulation, reducing trial periods and minimizing costly R&D processes. The European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan are driving significant AI investments in recycling technologies, with companies like BASF collaborating with Endress+Hauser and University of Bayreuth to develop AI-enhanced recycling solutions. Major players including Dow and Google have formed alliances to enhance circularity of hard-to-recycle plastics and foam insulation, while Covestro AG implements AI systems across polycarbonate and polyurethane production lines. Rising demand from electric vehicle manufacturers and high-performance battery producers is driving customized foam insulation requirements, with LG Chem deploying AI systems for advanced materials in battery thermal management applications.

Investment in artificial intelligence for the medical plastics market surged past $2.3 billion in 2024, according to BCC Research. BASF led the spending with a $1.1 billion research and development commitment to AI reactor technology. The European Commission approved $471 million in public funding for medical device AI innovation, while Siemens Healthineers secured a $560 million AI deal with the Canadian government. Key players including Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, and Boston Scientific are also driving AI integration to enhance manufacturing precision and quality control.

Surventis, formerly BASF Coatings, launched today as an independent company after completing its carve-out from BASF. The business is majority-owned by funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority, while BASF retains a 40 percent stake. With around €3.9 billion in annual sales and approximately 10,700 employees, Surventis serves more than 42,000 customers across over 140 countries from a network of more than 30 production and development sites. The company will continue to develop, produce, and market coatings and surface treatment solutions under well-known brands such as Chemetall, Glasurit, and R-M, with a strategic focus on reliability, quality, service, and performance. Surventis is headquartered in Muenster, Germany, which hosts the world's largest integrated paint manufacturing site.

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., or Sinopec, has received the Corporate Social Responsibility Best Practice Award at the 3rd Sino-European Corporate ESG Best Practice Conference in Mainz, Germany, for its case study on carbon footprint management and low-carbon development. The conference jury noted that Sinopec has developed a carbon management framework covering the full product life cycle and aligning with both Chinese and European standards. It highlighted the company's collaboration with German chemical producer BASF to achieve mutual recognition of carbon footprint accounting methodologies as a milestone for greener international supply chain cooperation. Sinopec's efforts span green energy supply, low-carbon technology development, and supply chain carbon assessment, providing a practical example of ESG implementation in the global energy and chemicals sector. A Sinopec representative delivered a keynote speech emphasizing that green and low-carbon development is a shared global objective and that the conference serves as an open platform for Chinese and European companies to strengthen dialogue on ESG and sustainable development.

Bota Biosciences and BASF have jointly launched SkinNexus™ Collag3n, a 100% human-identical recombinant Collagen III fragment for the personal care market. The ingredient was developed using Bota's Physical AI-driven biofoundry and BASF's cosmetic actives technology, screening over 2,000 collagen fragments. In 3D dermis models, it boosted Collagen I by 48%, Collagen III by 82%, and Collagen V by 71%, and clinical trials on women aged 53 to 70 showed improvements in sagging and wrinkles after four weeks, outperforming a collagen benchmark used at ten times the concentration. The product debuted at in-cosmetics Global in April 2026 and is commercialized by BASF.

The global green methanol market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 16.4 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 17.7%. The biomass-derived methanol segment accounted for USD 1.5 billion in 2025, while the bio-methanol segment reached USD 1.7 billion. North America's green methanol market is anticipated to expand from USD 309.2 million in 2025 to USD 1.7 billion by 2035. Key players include Methanex Corporation, Topsoe, BASF SE, Sodra, Proman, and others, who are focusing on expanding production capacity and forming strategic partnerships.

BASF will introduce its Emulgade Verde PE ingredient to the Asia Pacific market at in-cosmetics Korea 2026, held from July 1 to 3 at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul. The ingredient is designed to simplify the delivery of hydrophilic actives while maintaining high formulation efficiency and performance. It enables the formation of niosome vesicles, allowing formulators to incorporate hydrophilic active ingredients into skin, body, and hair care formulations with minimal process adjustments. Independent testing shows that formulations with Emulgade Verde PE improve the penetration of hydrophilic actives through the skin, enhancing efficacy without compromising simplicity. The ingredient also features a mild profile suitable for sensitive skin and is readily biodegradable, manufactured using an environmentally friendly, solvent-free process.

The global nematicides market is projected to grow from USD 2.07 billion in 2025 to USD 3.14 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.27%, according to a report by SNS Insider. Chemical nematicides dominated with a 72.5% share in 2025, while biological nematicides are the fastest-growing segment at a 16.1% CAGR, driven by regulatory restrictions and organic farming expansion. North America held the largest regional share at 38.5% in 2025, with the U.S. market alone valued at USD 0.69 billion and expected to reach USD 1.04 billion by 2035. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, fueled by horticultural export growth in China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Key players include BASF SE, Bayer AG, Syngenta AG, Corteva Agriscience, and FMC Corporation.

The global dimethylformamide market is projected to grow from USD 2.79 billion in 2025 to USD 4.54 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 4.98 percent, according to a report by SNS Insider. Industrial grade held the largest share at approximately 58.4 percent of the market in 2025, while pharmaceutical grade is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of about 7.9 percent, driven by pharmaceutical API manufacturing expansion in India, China, and Europe. North America led regional markets with a 38.9 percent revenue share in 2025, and Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fueled by synthetic leather production in China and India's pharmaceutical API export industry. Key players include BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, and Luxi Chemical Group, which completed a 50,000-tonne-per-year capacity expansion in 2024.

The global polymeric biomaterials market is projected to grow from USD 69.55 billion in 2024 to USD 267.25 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 15.86%, according to a new report from Zion Market Research. The polylactic acid product segment held a dominant 28% revenue share in 2024, driven by its biodegradability and versatility in applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. By application, orthopedics led with a 29% share, fueled by rising demand for joint replacements and bone scaffolds. Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain its leading regional position, supported by healthcare expansion and investments in regenerative medicine in countries like China, Japan, and India. Key companies profiled include BASF, DuPont, Evonik Industries, and Corbion.

BASF and Wacoal have expanded their collaboration by applying Wacoal's proprietary Melooop technology to automotive interior applications using BASF's Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane. The companies introduced a 3D fiber-based armrest concept for automotive seats, marking the technology's first use beyond apparel. Melooop technology uses a melt-blown nonwoven process to produce complex three-dimensional structures in a single step, eliminating the need for adhesives and multi-layer assembly, which simplifies manufacturing, reduces material waste, and improves recyclability through a mono-material design. BASF's Elastollan TPU combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics, offering strong elastic recovery, long-term dimensional stability, and a soft-touch feel suitable for automotive interiors. The armrest concept is being showcased at Automotive Engineering Expo Nagoya from June 17 to June 19, highlighting the companies' ambitions to expand into next-generation automotive interior materials.

The global rigid foam market is projected to grow from USD 85.43 billion in 2025 to USD 200.43 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 percent, according to a report by SNS Insider. Polyurethane rigid foam held the largest share of the market in 2025 at around 48 percent, while the building and construction insulation application accounted for an estimated 52 percent of the market. Asia Pacific dominated the global market in 2025, with China contributing around 44.8 percent of regional revenues, and Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market, with its rigid foam market estimated at USD 22.21 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 50.82 billion by 2035. The U.S. rigid foam market was valued at approximately USD 17.92 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach approximately USD 42.10 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of approximately 8.93 percent. Key players include BASF SE, Dow Inc., Covestro AG, Huntsman Corporation, and Owens Corning.