BASF Inaugurates Sustainable World-Scale Verbund Site in Zhanjiang, China
BASF officially inaugurated its new €8.7 billion world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, China, its seventh globally. Spanning four square kilometers, the site employs over 2,000 people and produces diverse chemicals for key industries. Emphasizing sustainability, it aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 50% through 100% renewable electricity and an innovative steam cracker. This strategic investment reinforces BASF's 'local-for-local' approach and commitment to China's chemical market, setting new benchmarks for sustainable chemical production worldwide.
BASF celebrated the official inauguration of its expansive, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, a significant €8.7 billion investment. This four-square-kilometer facility, employing over 2,000, represents BASF’s seventh Verbund site globally and its third largest. It produces a diversified portfolio of basic, intermediate, and specialty chemicals catering to industries like transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home, and personal care. CEO Dr. Markus Kamieth highlighted the site as a model for future chemistry—efficient, digital, and sustainably designed, embodying a smart integrated Verbund structure. A cornerstone of its operation is its strong commitment to sustainability. The site is projected to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional petrochemical sites, achieving 100% renewable electricity through green power purchase agreements and an offshore wind farm. Its state-of-the-art steam cracker, with a 1 million tons/year ethylene capacity, is notable as the world’s first to use main compressors powered entirely by renewable energy, supporting low-CO₂ product manufacturing. This facility reinforces BASF's 'Winning Ways' strategy and 'local-for-local' approach by directly serving China’s vast chemical market. The project, announced in 2018 and operational in phases since 2022, signifies BASF's long-term confidence and growth platform in Greater China, where it has operated for over 140 years.
