Facts and Figures

BASF Catalysts
Combining the strengths of two catalyst pioneers to create the world’s leading catalyst business

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The division offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, adsorbents and other products. The division expands its leading role in catalyst technology through continuous process and product innovation.

Main products
Three-way catalysts | Diesel oxidation catalysts | Catalyzed soot filter | Selective catalytic reduction technology | Refining catalysts (NaphthaMax™) | Gas-to-liquids catalysts | Chemical catalysts | Polypropylene catalysts (Lynx™)

BASF market position
Emission-control catalysts: # 1 | Refinery catalysts: # 3 | Chemical catalysts: # 1

BASF is the market leader for automotive catalysts in Asia
Mobile emission-control market share:
43% BASF market share in Asia (including our joint ventures in Korea and Japan)
Currently serving >50% of global transplant business from Japan and Korea
Leveraging BASF’s regional strength, especially in rapidly growing Chinese market

Most interesting, fastest growing markets
Light- and heavy-duty diesel emission-control catalysts | Gas-to-liquids catalysts | Refinery catalysts | Catalysts for conversion of alternative raw materials into energy | Catalyst markets in China, India, Middle East

BASF levers to outperform these markets
Largest global catalyst R&D capability | Recognized precious metals expertise | Operational excellence in catalyst production and use | Strong customer relationships | Unrivaled position in Asia Pacific

Focus of R&D
Innovation in catalysis is crucial for all our product groups.  For process catalysts, new and improved products are priorities. For mobile emissions catalysts, the focus lies on improved products to meet new exhaust gas standards, especially for diesel as well as gasoline engines, particularly in emerging markets.

Key drivers of profitability
  • Technology innovation
  • Tightening of clean air regulations driving demand for new emission-control catalysts
  • Rising raw material costs and alternative raw material sources driving process catalyst demand
  • Production efficiency
  • Strict working capital management
Recent innovation examples
1. Catalyzed soot filter: First traps particulates from diesel engines, then uses patented catalyst technology to burn them.
2. NaphthaMax II™: Catalyst that significantly boosts gasoline yield from crude oil refining.
3. Novel metal zeolites: New high-performance materials for diesel catalyst applications.

Key capabilities of BASF

  • Technology leadership in emission-control and process catalysis
  • Fundamental understanding of precious metals markets
  • Partnerships with industry leaders
  • Strong position in Asia through joint ventures

Customer Success Stories

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