BASF invests in new semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid plant in Ludwigshafen

• Essential ultra-pure chemical enabling advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes
• New capacity meets growing demand for the manufacturing of chips in Europe

Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 29, 2025 – BASF will expand its production capacity for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is an essential ultra-pure chemical. The new production facility at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany will feature cutting-edge purity capabilities to serve growing demand for advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing across Europe. Operations are expected to start by 2027, coinciding with the capacity expansion of key customers. The BASF investment will be in a high double-digit million-euro range.

With several new chip manufacturing plants being constructed or expanded in Europe, there is an increasingly strong demand for high-quality and high-purity semiconductor-grade chemicals, such as sulfuric acid. This need has been accelerated by a close cooperation partner of BASF, who is currently building a new chip production plant in Europe. These chips are used in automotive, mobile communications and AI chip applications. BASF is investing in the semiconductor chemical value chain based on mutual long-term customer-supplier commitments with its strategic partners.

This expansion will greatly enhance supply chain reliability for BASF’s partners by ensuring a dependable and consistent supply of high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid produced locally.  

Located at the heart of BASF’s integrated chemical production site in Ludwigshafen, the state-of-the-art production plant, backed by rigorous quality control measures, will ensure that customers receive chemicals of exceptional purity and quality, necessary for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. Additionally, production in proximity to key customer operations allows BASF to better meet their needs, providing prompt support and minimizing lead times.

Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for the Dispersions & Resins division, commented: “We are proud to have earned the trust of key players in the semiconductor sector and to serve them as their partner of choice in establishing the future supply chain for advanced semiconductor materials in Europe. This strategic move underscores BASF’s commitment to supporting the growth of the advanced semiconductor industry in Europe while further leveraging the Ludwigshafen Verbund site.”

BASF is a global leader in supplying the semiconductor industry with high-purity single bulk chemicals and specialized chemical formulations essential for semiconductor manufacturing. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of materials primarily used in semiconductor production processes, including cleaning, etching, metal deposition, and chemical mechanical planarization.
 

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division

The Dispersions & Resins division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality polymer dispersions, resins, additives and electronic materials worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for several industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and extensive      knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Resins division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Resins division, please visit www.dispersions-resins.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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