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HomePosts Tagged "BASF" (Page 2)
Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Company News, World

Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products.

BASF invests a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products at its Ludwigshafen site. The plant will manufacture products that bring value to farmers including biological fungicides and biological seed treatment. BASF also plans to utilize the plant to produce the main building block of Inscalis®, a novel insecticide derived from a fungal strain. Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2025. The plant will employ 30 people in production, logistics, engineering and maintenance.

The plant will use microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into the desired products – a process known as fermentation.

“We see a growing demand for biological crop protection products. This investment is an important step in building an even stronger and more competitive portfolio in this area,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “In addition, fermentation is a very flexible technology that will allow us to bring more innovative biotechnology-derived products to the market in the future.”

“For production at our Ludwigshafen site, this development is another step in the transition to innovative manufacturing processes with lower energy intensity based on renewable raw materials,” said Christian Aucoin, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The site offers excellent synergies due to its good infrastructure, the integration into an existing high-performance production organization and the proximity of research units such as White Biotechnology.”

Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, World

MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product carbon footprint and the share of renewable raw materials according to the respective customer’s purchasing portfolio at BASF.

BASF has released a new digital application designed to help customers gain a better overview of the sustainability status of the product portfolio they purchase from BASF. It also helps customers identify the best BASF solutions to reach their sustainability targets with regard to CO2 reduction and/or use of renewable raw materials. The app called “MyCarbonFootprint” contains data on over 700 selected large volume BASF products, including pharma ingredients, amino resins, butanediol and derivatives, acids, polyalcohols, acetylenics, carbonyl derivatives and amines. It is initially available to certain BASF customers who purchase products included in MyCarbonFootprint. Currently, more than 50 customers are already using the app.

Customized overview for each customer                                                   

MyCarbonFootprint informs customers about the individual cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) of the BASF products they purchase.2 The app furthermore indicates the share of renewable raw materials used in the manufacture of these products. The data is presented in a customized way for each customer: Depending on the purchased quantities of a selected product, MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product carbon footprint and the share of renewable raw materials according to the respective customer’s purchasing portfolio at BASF.

Optimizing the carbon footprint and renewable raw material share

With the help of MyCarbonFootprint, customers can determine how adjustments in their purchasing portfolio affect their sustainability status in terms of CO2 emissions and the use of renewable raw materials.

For example, MyCarbonFootprint calculates the potential reduction in CO2 emissions when a product variant with a lower carbon footprint is selected instead of the previously purchased product. MyCarbonFootprint also shows BASF customers various alternatives to increase the proportion of renewable raw materials in the value chain by choosing a suitable product variant.

“We developed MyCarbonFootprint to create the transparency that our customers need to pursue their CO2 emission reduction goals and to select the best sustainable product variants from the BASF portfolio to achieve their desired sustainability positioning,” explains Niels Möller, Global Strategic Marketing, Operating Division Intermediates, BASF. A team lead by Möller invented the innovative IT tool and developed it to market maturity.

BASF portfolio offers various sustainable product variants

MyCarbonFootprint provides an overview of the various sustainable product variants from the BASF portfolio. BASF customers can for example reduce their CO2 emissions by using BASF’s low-PCF products. These products have a significantly reduced product carbon footprint based on a specific customer request or compared to a reference value. The low-PCF portfolio includes, among others, bio-based or biomass balanced products (BMB), which can help customers achieve CO2 emission reductions compared with fossil standard products. In some cases, BASF additionally offers net-zero products, which have a PCF of zero or less than zero.3

Switching to BMB products is also an easier way for customers to increase the share of renewable raw materials in the value chain. In the BMB approach, BASF feeds renewable raw materials into its Verbund in the very first steps of chemical production. A corresponding share of these raw materials is then attributed to specific sales products by means of a certified mass balance method. Certification of BASF’s biomass balanced products is carried out according to recognized standards like REDcert2 or ISCC PLUS4. Being identical in quality and properties to fossil standard products, biomass balanced products are “drop-in” solutions. Customers can use them without having to adapt their existing manufacturing processes.

MyCarbonFootprint calculates the CO2 emissions, the product

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Europe, Sustainability

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable development by saving fossil resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing the use of renewable feedstock.

BASF has announced the launch of the industry’s first biomass balance offerings for plastic additives. The initial offerings, including Irganox® 1010 BMBcert™ and Irganox® 1076 FD BMBcert™, are certified by TÜV Nord for mass balance according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS). These industry-first solutions support the use of renewable feedstock to replace fossil feedstock and help BASF’s customers meet their sustainability targets.

The BMBcert offerings contribute to a reduction in fossil feedstock demand. At the beginning of the value chain, fossil-based raw material is replaced by ISCC certified bio-based feedstock, and a corresponding amount is attributed to the product according to a mass balance approach. Via the attribution of these sustainably sourced renewable feedstocks, the product’s cradle-to-gate carbon footprint is significantly reduced by up to 60 percent, compared to the global average product carbon footprint of conventional grades.

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable development by saving fossil resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing the use of renewable feedstock. This unique solution enables customers to differentiate their products from the competition and helps them achieve their sustainability goals; all without compromising on performance and quality.

Irganox® 1010 BMBcert™ and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert are drop-in replacements for Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076. These BMBcert offerings are identical to the conventional grades in performance, quality, and product stewardship and regulatory aspects. As a result, customers do not need to requalify the new additives or reformulate their products.

“By leveraging BASF’s highly integrated global production network of interconnected sites and plants, we are able to produce these industry-first, low carbon footprint, drop-in solutions with the same performance characteristics,” said Joerg Bentlage, Head of Global Product Management, Plastic Additives, BASF. “As we advance our own journey to a more circular economy, we aim to drive a sustainable transformation towards renewable feedstock within the industries we serve through innovative and strategic customer partnerships.”

Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert will initially be produced at BASF’s site in Kaisten, Switzerland, with additional availability of Irganox 1010 FF BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert from McIntosh, USA in early 2024.

The certified additives thus contribute to sustainable

Company News, Textile industry, World

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program

Farmers across the globe are working to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainably grown cotton. Truly sustainable sourcing of natural fibres can be complex and challenging, which is why BASF Agricultural Solutions brought together a global delegation of farmers from Europe and the United States to ensure their voices are heard and supported.

The event, aptly named ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth’, was held at the United Nations headquarters and featured various farmers from Greece and the United States, as well as leadership from BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Europe. Also in attendance were sustainable fashion and agriculture media.

“BASF is dedicated to creating a better future for cotton production and the cotton textile industry,” said Ray Daniels, Seed Sustainability Manager at BASF. “We understand that cotton farmers are the cornerstone of sustainable production, which is why we are giving them an international platform to share their ideas on how agriculture must meet the needs of present and future generations through profitability, environmental health and social and economic equity.”

While sustainable farming sounds new, the principles are not. Farmers across cotton-producing regions in the United States and Europe have leveraged these practices to help reduce soil erosion and improve soil health while reducing excess nitrogen use. The renewed focus on these practices by the textile industry provides farmers with an opportunity to demonstrate their inherent sustainable nature publicly in this global workshop.

“We really appreciated the opportunity to attend this event and have our voices heard,” said Texas cotton growers, Randy and Pat Smith. “Consumers aren’t always aware of the effort growers like us put into regenerative agriculture practices, and we want to continue to share our story and gain their support.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program. Both provide field-level traceability for cotton, as well as a way for farmers to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.

“Agriculture is so central to our lives, but many do not consider the powerful impact it can have,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, Vice-President, BASF Agricultural Solutions EMEA & CIS. “It’s also an industry undergoing a time of unprecedented change. Farmers have an increasingly difficult yet important role of balancing the need for increased productivity, environmental protection, and value to society.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest Workshop for Crop Health Monitoring using drones,’ with Cody Sokkappa of Pix4D Japan as the lead instructor

Drone manufacturer IoTechWorld Avigation said it has joined hands with Switzerland-based company Pix4D which specialises in photogrammetry software technology to jointly offer precision farming solutions in the country.

Commenting upon the tie-up between the two companies, Deepak Bhardwaj, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation said, “We are witnessing an agri-drone revolution in the country and gradually we are moving towards precision farming. Our association is to foster awareness about drone-enabled crop health monitoring.”

Underlining the objective of the association, Anoop Upadhyay, Co-Founder and Director, of IoTechWorld Avigation said, “Initially our approach involves the creation of awareness among Industry, Researchers, and Academia. Subsequently, we will create awareness among farmers as well.”

Expressing the rationale behind the association, Mitul Arora, Business Development Lead – India & South Asia, Pix4D said, “Everyone needs a customized and one-stop solution. IoTechWorld has drone technology and multi-spectral sensors by the name Sequoia and now they will have our photogrammetry technology too. So, through this association, a one-stop solution will be provided to all, and this will be beneficial for the govt research institutes, crop insurance and other associated specialised tasks.”

India is undergoing a tremendous transformation in the agriculture sector and adoption of technology is happening at an unprecedented level. This opens a huge opportunity and this association is expected to enable faster and deeper integration of technology in various spheres of agriculture.

IoTechWorld is the manufacturer of India’s 1st DGCA Type certified agri-drone ‘AGRIBOT’ and is the pioneer in this segment.

Whereas, Switzerland-headquartered Pix4D is recognized for its Pix4Dfields Software, a cutting-edge solution designed for advanced agricultural mapping. The software processes RGB and multispectral data for aerial crop analysis and digital farming. Pix4D has offices in 7 countries across multiple continents meeting the requirements of these as well as neighboring countries.
IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest Workshop for Crop Health Monitoring using drones,’ with Cody Sokkappa of Pix4D Japan as the lead instructor. The event drew approximately 70 attendees, predominantly comprised of scientists from governmental institutions. Additionally, a cohort of researchers from esteemed crop protection firms, including Syngenta and BASF, also took part in the workshop.

IoTechWorld and Pix4D collaboratively orchestrated ‘India’s largest

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Company News, Europe

Essen’ciel will be distributed within the portfolio of BioSolutions by BASF in Spain and Italy.

BASF and Vivagro, an innovative French company focused on agroecological solutions, signed a distribution agreement for the product Essen’ciel for the Italian and Spanish market. Essen’ciel is a natural fungicide, insecticide and acaricide based on sweet orange essential oil. It is approved for organic uses, including vine grapes, vegetable crops, berries, ornamental crops, industrial crops and arboriculture. Especially for pip fruits such as apples, pears, and quinces, Essen’ciel represents an alternative biocontrol product in light of scarcity of insecticide solutions.

Essen’ciel will be distributed within the portfolio of BioSolutions by BASF in Spain and Italy. “Biological crop protection is an important step forward to further support sustainable agriculture,” said Marco Moorfeld, Vice President Market Management Europe at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “New partnerships are crucial to meet the growing demand for biologicals, driven by the need to reduce the impact of farming on the environment and benefit from R&D advances in biology and production. Our collaboration with Vivagro strengthens our biological portfolio for farmers.”

Essen’ciel is one of Vivagro’s core products. It is a contact curative treatment with a unique mode of action: it desiccates soft-bodied insects and the aerial organs of pathological fungi. Furthermore, it is a fundamental tool for integrated pest management (IPM), to complete spray programs as it takes into account waste management without neglecting efficiency. “We are proud of our biological innovations. Bringing these to the market with the support of BASF is an important milestone to further expand our business, and meet the expectations of farmers and agricultural industries”, explained Alain Petersen, Export Manager from Vivagro.

BASF and Vivagro foresee a growing market development and expect to further expand their partnership in the future.

Essen’ciel will be distributed within the portfolio

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, World

The companies plan to complete the feasibility study on the low-carbon blue ammonia production facility by the end of 2023

BASF and Yara Clean Ammonia are collaborating on a joint study to develop and construct a world-scale low-carbon blue ammonia production facility with carbon capture in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The companies are looking into the feasibility of a plant with a total capacity of 1.2 to 1.4 million tons p.a. to serve the growing global demand for low-carbon ammonia.

“Yara and BASF have successfully collaborated in the past and we are pleased to explore a new clean ammonia project together. In line with Yara Clean Ammonia’s strategy, we are working systematically to develop asset-backed supply to decarbonize agriculture as well as serving new clean ammonia segments such as shipping fuel, power production and ammonia as a hydrogen carrier,” said Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia.

Approximately 95 per cent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from the production process is aimed to be captured and permanently stored in the ground. This would allow Yara to serve its customers with clean ammonia with a significantly reduced product carbon footprint. For BASF, the new plant would act as backward integration to serve the company’s demand for low-carbon ammonia and would lower the carbon footprint of its ammonia-based products.

“This project underlines BASF’s commitment to drive the sustainable transformation of the chemical industry. Our existing Verbund sites in the region with integrated material flows and advanced infrastructure would be ideally suited for the integration of a new world-scale ammonia facility that has the potential to significantly improve the carbon footprint of both our own operations and the various industries we serve,” said Dr Ramkumar Dhruva, President Monomers Division, BASF.

BASF and Yara are long-standing collaboration partners and successfully operating a joint world-scale ammonia plant at BASF’s site in Freeport, Texas. The companies plan to complete the feasibility study on the low-carbon blue ammonia production facility by the end of 2023.

The companies plan to complete the feasibility

Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Packaging & Labelling, Supply Chain

New projects and solutions for customers and partners on the three phases of the “MAKE-USE-RECYCLE” life cycle in the packaging sector

After the virtual event two years ago, the international trade fair for packaging interpack will be held again at Messe Düsseldorf from May 4 to 10, 2023. BASF will be represented together with BTC Europe, its European distribution organization, at Stand B43 in Hall 10 and will present numerous solutions and new projects in the packaging sector to customers and partners. The focus is on sustainability: Whether market-leading products or new technologies – on the way to a more sustainable plastics industry, BASF will continue its “Plastics Journey” with the three phases “MAKE-USE-RECYLE” in the life cycle of plastics at interpack.

Ultramid Ccycled as sustainable solution for packaging

One example is BASF’s sustainable polyamide Ultramid® Ccycled® – a future-oriented mass-balanced product that supports the use of alternative raw materials from the chemical recycling of plastic waste. Chemical recycling currently uses plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, such as end-of-life tyres or mixed household packaging, thus keeping it in the material cycle. The recycled raw material is fed into the beginning of the BASF production Verbund and allocated to Ultramid Ccycled products via a mass-balance approach. Fossil raw materials are thus replaced and saved. This solution is used in many segments, such as textiles and packaging. Since Ultramid Ccycled  has the same quality as the conventional product, the sustainable polyamide is also ideally suited for highly regulated applications such as food packaging.

Meeting the challenges of circularity of plastic packaging with additives:

At interpack 2023, BASF will showcase several additive solutions to improve the durability, transparency and circularity of plastic packaging, meeting the demands of brand owners, recyclers and converters.

The IrgaCycle® range of additives enhances circularity and can maximize the post-consumer recycled content in an end-use plastic packaging. In addition, they mitigate common processing challenges such as gel formation and defects when using recyclates while rejuvenating the stabilizing additive package that may have been depleted during the first lifecycle of a package. The IrgaCycle range is part of the VALERAS® portfolio, the brand name under which BASF markets its range of sustainable plastic additive solutions.

BASF will give a keynote speech on “Advancing performance for circular packaging applications” on May 5 at the SPOTLIGHT area at the North Entrance of the fair. The focus of that day will be “Circular Economy – Closing the Loop” and BASF experts will highlight its solutions designed for sustainable packaging applications.

New projects and solutions for customers and

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Europe, Finance, Seeds

Sales declined by 13.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 to €19,991 million (Q1 2022: €23,083 million).

Germany based BASF has released preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2023. Sales declined by 13.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 to €19,991 million (Q1 2022: €23,083 million). This was mainly driven by considerably lower volumes. Sales were considerably lower than average analyst estimates for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €21,819 million).

EBIT before special items of BASF Group amounted to an expected €1,931 million in the first quarter of 2023, a decline of 31.5 per cent compared with the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €2,818 million) but considerably above the analyst consensus for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €1,599 million). In particular, EBIT before special items in the Agricultural Solutions segment considerably exceeded average analyst estimates. Chemicals, Materials and Surface Technologies were also considerably above the respective average analyst estimates for EBIT before special items in the first quarter of 2023. In the Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care segments, EBIT before special items missed average analyst estimates slightly and considerably, respectively. In Other, EBIT before special items was weaker than expected by analysts on average.

The BASF Group’s EBIT amounted to an expected €1,867 million in the first quarter of 2023, considerably below the figure for the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €2,785 million) but considerably above the analyst consensus (Vara: €1,533 million).

Net income reached €1,562 million, considerably above the figure in the prior-year quarter (Q1 2022: €1,221 million) and considerably above average analyst estimates for the first quarter of 2023 (Vara: €1,081 million). In the prior-year quarter, impairments on the participation in Wintershall Dea had burdened net income of BASF Group.

Sales declined by 13.4 per cent in

Animal Health, Company News, North America, Sustainability

Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF and Cargill strive to deliver solutions that address productivity, sustainability, and cost challenges for US customers.

BASF and Cargill have announced their expanded cooperation, adding the United States (US) to their existing feed enzymes development and distribution agreement. Together, the two companies are committed to bringing innovative enzyme-based solutions to the market, generating distinctive value for animal feed customers. By combining the enzyme research and development strengths of BASF with Cargill’s know-how in application and broad market reach, the partners will form a joint innovation pipeline for animal protein producers. 

With the expanded geographical reach, BASF and Cargill aim to bring the voice and commercial insights of US protein producers to craft the next generation of enzymes jointly. Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF and Cargill strive to deliver solutions that address productivity, sustainability, and cost challenges for US customers.

“We are delighted further to strengthen our relationship with our US customers and BASF,” said Mariano Berdegue, the North America regional managing director for Cargill’s animal nutrition business. “The collaboration will provide more animal feed customers with access to a wide range of high-performance enzyme solutions that we have seen reduce nutrient waste, improve feed efficiency, and sustainably promote animal performance.” 

In 2021, BASF and Cargill moved the relationship beyond pure distribution agreements into the joint development of new enzyme technologies and applications. This extended partnership builds upon the successful go-to-market collaboration between the companies across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of the partnership, BASF and Cargill will co-develop, produce, market, and sell customer-centric enzyme products and solutions. 

“With the expansion of our collaboration to the US, we continue to build our joint success story. We are proud to be on this journey with Cargill to increase further the value creation opportunities for animal feed customers,” adds Gisele Santos Bin, Global Sales Director Feed Enzymes & Feed Performance Ingredients at BASF.

BASF and Cargill are excited to expand their partnership and bring scientific excellence and animal nutrition expertise to drive customer success.

Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF

Company News, India, Seeds

Various industry reports from Fair Labor Association (FLA) and Arisa indicate that the agriculture sector in India faces several critical and systemic issues related to human and labour rights.

BASF, Syngenta, and Arisa have joined hands in a multistakeholder collaboration called Wage Improvements in Seed Hybrids (WISH). WISH will address child labour issues and strive for minimum wage compliance in the vegetable seed sector in India.

The four-year project, cofounded with a grant from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), consists of two phases: In the first phase, WISH will research whether and where payments are still below minimum wages and/or child labour and the violation of other labour rights occur. This data will be independently collected by two India-based organisations, Glocal Research and MV Foundation, and used by them suggest modes of action to address these challenges. In the second phase, WISH will implement strategies that address the root causes of gaps in the minimum wages and child labour regulations in the vegetable seeds sector.

Various industry reports from Fair Labor Association (FLA) and Arisa indicate that the agriculture sector in India faces several critical and systemic issues related to human and labour rights. Current wages in the sector are often lower than the region’s statutory minimum wage, and although child labor has been greatly reduced in the past few years, it remains an ongoing challenge within the agricultural sector.

“In this project, Arisa will use its expertise, knowledge, and network to address labor rights violations in the vegetable seed sector. Due to COVID-19, the issues motivating this project have become even more urgent: the number of children working has increased in the last two years, as schools were closed and families lost income,” says Sandra Claassen, the Director of Arisa.

“We achieved this by raising awareness among our seed suppliers to adopt best practices for adhering to a zero tolerance towards child labor, evaluating and monitoring our suppliers as well as promoting school attendance to prevent child labor”, says Rob Huijten, Country Head Netherlands, and board member of BASF’s vegetable seed business. In this next step, BASF will -together with its partners- actively accompany and support this transformation of the entire Indian vegetable seed sector. “We are proud to work together with Syngenta and Arisa to address this complex situation that still affects thousands of families in India,” says Rob Huijten.

Jason Allerding, Head of Health, Safety & Environment, Sustainability and Risk Management, Syngenta Seeds said, “We understand that meaningful outcomes can best be achieved through collective action from various stakeholders. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring partners together to build a roadmap for wage progression across the vegetable seeds sector.”

Various industry reports from Fair Labor Association

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance

 Achieves solid EBIT before special items of €1.3 billion down by €517 million versus prior-year quarter

BASF has announced sales at €21.9 billion up 12 per cent in third quarter of 2022 over prior-year quarter. EBIT before special items of €1.3 billion down by €517 million versus prior-year quarter. Earnings improve considerably in downstream segments, decline significantly in Chemicals and Materials segments. Cash flows from operating activities increased to €2.3 billion compared with €1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2021. Company has expected sales of between €86 billion and €89 billion, EBIT before special items of between €6.8 billion and €7.2 billion in 2022.

“Despite the continued high raw materials and energy prices, BASF achieved solid earnings in the third quarter,” said Dr Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, presenting the results for the third quarter of 2022 together with Chief Financial Officer Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel.

At €21.9 billion, sales were 12 percent higher than in the prior-year quarter. The sales increase was mainly driven by much higher prices in almost all segments. Only the Surface Technologies segment recorded lower price levels as a result of lower precious metal prices. Currency effects had a positive impact in all segments. Sales growth was also boosted by portfolio effects. Sales development was significantly dampened by lower volumes in all segments except for Agricultural Solutions.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined by €517 million compared with the third quarter of 2021 to €1.3 billion. “Our downstream segments Surface Technologies, Agricultural Solutions, Nutrition & Care and Industrial Solutions increased their earnings considerably,” said Brudermüller. However, earnings in the Chemicals and Materials segments declined significantly compared with the very high levels of the prior-year quarter.

At €1.3 billion, EBIT was considerably below the prior-year quarter (€1.8 billion). This figure includes income from integral companies accounted for using the equity method, which declined by €124 million to €76 million, mainly due to the lower earnings contribution from BASF-YPC Company Ltd., Nanjing, China.

Compared with the third quarter of 2021, income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items (EBITDA before special items) decreased by €446 million to €2.3 billion and EBITDA declined by €474 million to €2.3 billion.

 Achieves solid EBIT before special items

Agrotech, Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, Sustainability

Cooperation combines BASF’s deep value chain sustainability experience in animal nutrition and Evonik’s extensive knowledge of feed formulation and customer insights

BASF and Evonik entered into an agreement, granting Evonik certain non-exclusive licensing rights to Opteinics™ – BASF’s digital solution to increase understanding and reduce the environmental footprint of the feed and animal protein industries. Evonik integrates the digital ready-to-use sustainability platform Opteinics™ into its global feed consultancy services. Combining BASF’s digital sustainability solution Opteinics™ with Evonik’s innovative farm management tools and sustainability services will help customers to produce more sustainable feed and animal protein.

Opteinics™ is a software solution launched by BASF in 2021 to measure, analyze and minimize the environmental impact of animal protein, with an emphasis on animal feed production. Currently the software offers modules for pig and poultry production and can be integrated with feed formulation software.

Opteinics™ for pork has recently been fully verified to conform with the ISO 14040 and 14044 LCA standards as well as with the UN Food & Agriculture Organization Livestock Environmental Assessment & Performance (LEAP) Partnership guidelines.  Applications for the dairy value chain and for the optimization of compound feed mixtures will follow soon.

With the use of Opteinics™, Evonik can even better support the livestock industry to make significant progress in fighting climate change, safeguarding ecosystems, and ensuring health and well-being as it works to achieve sustainable food production.

“With Evonik, we have a strong partner to make it a preferred and leading solution as a digital sustainability platform for the global feed industry,” said Manuel Rez, Director Global Product Management Performance Ingredients & Solutions and Marketing BASF Animal Nutrition.

“We are incorporating BASF’s ready-to-use software Opteinics™ into our comprehensive sustainability solutions for customers,” explains Dr. Stefan Mack, head of Service Marketing at Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line.

Cooperation combines BASF’s deep value chain sustainability

Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, North America

Corteva Agriscience and BASF Agricultural Solutions have announced their agreement to develop future herbicide-tolerant soyabeans and complementing herbicides for farmers in North America and beyond. The collaboration aims to bring competitive alternatives to manage resistant and tough-to-control weeds through innovative trait stacks and durable, long-lasting modes of action. 

Farmers will benefit from broader weed management options and strong germplasm choices from both BASF and Corteva seed brands. The strategic cross-licensing agreement includes the development of new trait stacks, as well as optimised herbicide options for future weed control.

“The spirit of our cooperation is to drive innovations that make a difference for farmers,” said Dr Peter Eckes, President R&D and Regulatory of BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Our new PPO trait in combination with our leading herbicide products and exciting herbicides pipeline gives soybean farmers new options in managing challenging weeds. Collaborating also strengthens our branded soybean seed business.”

“Expanding options for soybean farmers to manage weed challenges with the herbicides that work best for their operation is one of our priorities,” said Dr Sam Eathington, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, Corteva Agriscience. We know farmers who prefer the weed control system will need additional, new modes of action as they work to improve the sustainability of their weed-control practices.”

Corteva Agriscience and BASF Agricultural Solutions have announced