BASF is consistently driving forward the transformation toward more sustainable materials. The Performance Materials division has now had all its European production sites certified according to the REDcert2 standard. This provides customers with a broad portfolio of high-performance plastics that are proven to be based on sustainable raw materials. For the plastics industry, this is an important step toward replacing fossil resources and strengthening the circular economy.
With the certification of all ten plants, including the recently integrated polyurethane site in Malacky, Slovakia, BASF Performance Materials now covers its entire European production network. Customers can thus access certified mass balance solutions in all key plastics segments. The portfolio includes engineering plastics, polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyurethanes and specialty polymers.
Continuous development of plastics portfolio of BASF
A key goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of plastic products. To this end, alternative raw materials are fed into the production process at an early stage and allocated to the end products using a mass balance approach. This allows sustainable plastics to be produced that offer the same properties, specifications, and processing options as their conventional counterparts. Customers can thus make their products more environmentally friendly without having to adapt development processes or quality standards.
REDcert2 as proof of sustainable raw materials
REDcert2 is an established certification system for the chemical industry. It confirms that alternative raw materials such as biomass or recycled plastics are fed into the production process and correctly accounted for. The audit is carried out by independent certification bodies, providing customers and end users with verifiable proof. In addition to the biomass balance approach, BASF also relies on chem-cycling, in which recycled raw materials are used to replace fossil resources.
Certified BASF materials meet sustainability requirements
REDcert2 certification is highly relevant for many industries. In the automotive and construction industries, in the packaging sector and in the consumer goods sector, there is increasing pressure to increase the use of sustainable materials and reduce Scope 3 emissions in supply chains. BASF's certified materials provide manufacturers with a reliable way to integrate sustainability requirements into their products without compromising on quality or performance.
Sustainability as a strategic goal for BASF
The current certification is one of a series of measures with which BASF is driving forward its transformation. Since January 2025, all of the company's European sites have been supplied with renewable electricity. The “Our Plastics Journey” initiative also illustrates that BASF is aligning its plastics business with circularity in the long term. With the certification of all sites, another milestone has been reached in significantly reducing the use of fossil raw materials and increasing the share of circular solutions.
Wide range of product applications
The certified product groups cover a wide range:
- Engineering plastics for housings, components, and high-performance applications in electronics and mobility
- Polyurethanes for insulation materials, seat cushions and coatings
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) for cable sheathing, shoes or films
- Specialty polymers for specific industrial applications with high technical requirements
With these materials, BASF offers customers in numerous industries solutions that combine sustainability with performance.
