BASF to expand catalyst technology
GERMANY – BASF, a renowned ingredients and chemical company, has announced that it is advancing its catalyst production capabilities with an investment in its X3D® technology at Ludwigshafen, Germany.
The facility, which will integrate additive manufacturing and 3D printing techniques, is expected to begin operations in 2026.
According to BASF, the technology enables the production of robust, high-performance catalysts designed to enhance reactor efficiency by reducing pressure drop.
These catalysts are customizable to meet specific customer needs, aiming to improve production capacity while lowering carbon emissions.
The X3D® technology offers various benefits, including reduced bulk density, improved mechanical stability, faster prototyping, and enhanced geometric surface area.
BASF claims that these features also lead to novel catalyst shapes and lower pressure drops in reactors.
In addition to its technological expansion, BASF recently announced a partnership with Exterra Carbon Solutions, a Canada-based carbon storage company.
This collaboration focuses on a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage initiative in Quebec.
The project integrates BASF’s OASE blue gas treatment system with Exterra’s ROC (Reactive Oxide to Carbonate) mineralization technology to address CO2 emissions in high-emission industries, including cement, steel, and waste-to-energy sectors.
On the financial front, BASF reported a mixed performance for the third quarter.
While earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) before special items rose by US$100 million to US$2.08 billion, total EBITDA fell slightly from US$1.82 billion in the same period last year to US$1.69 billion.
The company’s operating profit (EBIT) also declined by US$187 million, reaching US$325 million for the quarter.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to US$1.3 billion, up from US$1.26 billion in the previous year.
However, BASF recorded a significant turnaround in net income, which rose to US$373 million compared to a net loss of US$324 million during the same quarter last year.
Total sales for the quarter remained steady at US$20.4 billion, consistent with the prior year.
The EBITDA margin before special items improved, climbing from 9.8% to 10.3%, with core businesses achieving a margin of 13.4%, up from last year’s 9.8%.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
