Ludwigshafen, Germany — When it comes to preserving the environment and reducing carbon footprints, we know that every little bit helps, no matter how small. So when we see larger companies such as BASF step forward to take action, we definitely do a happy dance.
The new Circular Economy Program that BASF has launched will be concentrating on three major areas of circular feedstocks, new material cycles and new business models in order to join in the fight for an all-around circular economy.
“Companies that can provide solutions for the transformation to a circular economy will have a crucial competitive advantage,” said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and chief technology officer of BASF.
The aim of a circular economy is to avoid waste, reuse products and recover resources and in order to help the development of such an economy, BASF intends to process 250,000 tons of recycled and waste-based raw materials annually by 2025.
“The path to a circular economy will require enormous efforts on our part. But we have taken on this challenge with commitment and creativity and we can build on our innovative strength,” said Brudermüller.
Brudermüller presented some of BASFs research at the digital Research Press Conference on Thursday, which shows how BASF is working on various initiatives to assist in overall success of reaching a circular economy
The company is currently exploring the avenues of:
-
- Battery recycling: To reclaim the raw materials within batteries to be reprocessed and repurposed, preventing waste and helping reduce the carbon footprint in comparison to alternate processes.
- Additives to upgrade plastic recycling: Only 20 percent of plastic waste is recycled from 250 million metric tonnes globally produced per year. BASF is working on solutions to improve the recycling process with additives and compatibilizers to enhance the mechanical properties.
- Rambutan program: Sourcing organic, raw materials sustainably: BASF has plans to increase the amount of raw, renewable materials from sustainable sources throughout its manufacturing.
