Materials
The Materials segment comprises the Performance Materials and Monomers divisions. The segment’s portfolio includes advanced materials and their precursors for new applications and systems such as isocyanates, polyamides and inorganic basic products as well as specialties for the plastics and plastics processing industries. We differentiate ourselves through specific technology expertise, industry knowledge and customer proximity, and create maximum value in the isocyanate and polyamide value chains.
Divisions
Crash absorber made from alternative raw materials
Together with Mercedes-Benz AG, we have developed the crash absorber for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a safety-relevant part, which combines alternative raw materials using the mass balance approach. Pyrolysis oil from used tires and biomethane from agricultural waste replace fossil raw materials without compromising on quality. We want to continue to drive forward circular solutions in the automotive industry and support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals. The Performance Materials division is aiming to increase the proportion of plastics based on alternative raw materials in its global sales to 20% by 2030.
For more information on BASF’s sustainable plastics solutions for the automotive industry, see basf.com/en/plastics
Ultramid® B3WG6 BC64 is used for the crash absorber for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Factors influencing sales
EBITDA before special items
| Million € | 2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
| Sales to third parties | 14,149 | 18,443 | 15,214 | 10,736 | 11,466 |
| Share of total BASF sales (%) | 20.5 | 21.1 | 19.4 | 18.2 | 19.3 |
of which Performance Materials |
7,244 | 8,567 | 7,292 | 5,635 | 6,064 |
Monomers |
6,905 | 9,877 | 7,922 | 5,101 | 5,402 |
| Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items | 1,650 | 2,686 | 3,208 | 1,714 | 1,719 |
| EBITDA margin before special items (%) | 11.7 | 14.6 | 21.1 | 16.0 | 15.0 |
| Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) | 1,523 | 2,660 | 3,162 | 1,556 | 1,691 |
| EBITDA margin (%) | 10.8 | 14.4 | 20.8 | 14.5 | 14.7 |
| Income from operations (EBIT) before special items | 826 | 1,840 | 2,418 | 835 | 1,003 |
| Income from operations (EBIT) | 378 | 1,776 | 2,345 | –109 | 973 |
| Segment cash flow | 1,369 | 2,363 | – | – | – |
| Return on capital employed (ROCE) (%) | 3.6 | 14.9 | 22.8 | –1.1 | 10.7 |