BASF (BASFY) Switches Portfolio to Bio-based Ethyl Acrylate

Core Viewpoint - BASF SE will transition to bio-based ethyl acrylate production starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, aiming to support global sustainability goals with a product that has a 40% bio content and a 30% reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based ethyl acrylate [1][4]. Group 1: Product Details - The new bio-based ethyl acrylate (EA) will be produced at Ludwigshafen using bioethanol as the exclusive alcohol source, maintaining identical chemical and technical parameters to traditional fossil-based EA [3]. - BASF also offers a variant called bio-based Ethyl Acrylate BMB ISCC Plus, which has a further reduced carbon footprint through the biomass balance approach [2]. - The bio-based EA is suitable for various applications, particularly in the coatings and adhesive sectors, and is made from sustainable bioethanol sourced primarily from Europe [5]. Group 2: Sustainability Commitment - The company is committed to sustainability by exclusively offering bio-based ethyl acrylate and phasing out fossil-based EA by the fourth quarter of 2024 [4]. - BASF ensures that the bioethanol used does not compete with food production, sourcing it from starch residues, low-quality grains, or molasses not used in food [5]. Group 3: Market Performance - BASF's shares have declined by 10.7% over the past year, slightly worse than the 9.9% decline of its industry [7].