BASF is investing a mid-double-digit million-euro amount in a new alcoholates plant at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF is a leading supplier of alcoholates for various applications. The plant will produce sodium methylate and potassium methylate (sodium/potassium methoxide) and will replace the existing production facility in Ludwigshafen. It is expected to start up in the second half of 2027.

The two chemicals are used as catalysts for commercial-scale production of biodiesel and for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. To produce biodiesel, vegetable oils or animal fats, which chemically are fatty acid triglycerides, are transesterified with methanol to give fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).

• BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany