BASF is making products with chemically recycled plastics for the first time with its ChemCycling project.
Chemical recycling provides a process to reutilise plastic waste that is currently not recycled, such as mixed or uncleaned plastics.
Using thermochemical processes, these plastics can be utilised to produce syngas or oils.
The resulting recycled raw materials can be used as inputs in BASF’s production, thereby partially replacing fossil resources.
BASF is already developing pilot products, including mozzarella packaging, refrigerator components and insulation panels.

BASF
Dr. Stefan Gräter and Dr. Andreas Kicherer are showing a sample of pyrolysis oil and thus produced plastic in front of the Steamcracker
Dr. Stefan Gräter and Dr. Andreas Kicherer
“A responsible use of plastics is crucial to solve the world’s waste problem. This applies to companies as well as to institutions and consumers. With chemical recycling we want to make a significant contribution in reducing the amount of plastic waste,” said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE.
“With our ChemCycling project, we are using plastic waste as a resource. In this way, we create value for the environment, society and the economy. We have joined forces with partners throughout the value chain to establish a working circular model.”
BASF plans to make the first products from the ChemCycling project commercially available.