BASF Group, a German multinational chemical company and the largest chemical producer in the world, has been present in the UAE since the 1970s. In addition to oilfield solutions, the company’s office in Jafza offers a wide range of products such as chemicals for coatings, performance materials, plastics, nutrition and health, personal care and home care, as well as automotive refinishing.
During his converstion with The Zone, Dr. Udo Huenger, Vice President Middle East & Egypt, CEO, BASF FZE explained how the company has been operating in the region.
The chemical industry is known for having a significant impact on the environment, what steps have you taken to solve this issue?
Our aim has always been to contribute towards the building of a world that provides a viable future with enhanced quality of life for everyone. We do so by creating chemistry for our customers and society and by making the best use of available resources.
Would you like to throw some light on how BASF’s Styropor is helping in reducing carbon footprint?
Styropor®, an expandable polystyrene (EPS), was invented in 1951 by BASF and has become an in-demand raw materials in the construction and packaging industry today. Styropor® offers a large product portfolio with a wide range of applications. It has gained recognition for being an ideal raw material for efficient construction, shock absorption, and moisture insensitive packaging of products.
The Biomass Balance Method, certified by German Technical Inspection Authority, REDcert, implies that raw materials required for the manufacturing of EPS can be replaced with renewable feedstock. Production methods of this kind save valuable resources and reduce CO2 emissions at the same time. The use of biomass-balanced Styropor® protects the environment and the climate while maintaining the usual high quality. This is because they are identical to their fossil equivalents in terms of their formulation and properties.
What other sustainable initiatives have you started or been a part of? Kindly provide some details on the output achieved from these initiatives?
The transition toward an environment-friendly society is a fundamental challenge of the 21st century. By 2030, BASF aims to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by 25 per cent as compared to its emissions in 2018. Despite the growth of our business, BASF is committed to achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Our new climate goals underscore BASF’s determination and commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Would you like to provide some details about the products and services offered by the company, and the markets you cater to?
We offer a wide range of products and services to the Middle East region. Our key offerings are processed chemicals, catalyst technologies for the local petrochemical industry, oilfield solutions, plastic additives, and agricultural solutions in Egypt