BASF recognized as top company for supplier diversity

FLORHAM PARK, NJ, February 1, 2023 – BASF has been named one of America’s Top Corporations in the Chemicals, Energy, and Utilities sector for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The award is the only national recognition honoring corporations for world-class supplier diversity programs that reduce obstacles and drive growth for women-owned businesses.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top Corporation for Women’s Business Enterprises,” said Tobias Dratt, President, BASF North America. “BASF’s supplier diversity program is a great example of living our company values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A diverse supplier base is critical to meeting our needs, and those of our customer’s, while fulfilling our commitment to our diverse consumer base and the communities in which we operate.”

“With our strong supplier diversity program, BASF is dedicated to breaking down barriers and seeking opportunities to level the playing field, in partnership with WBENC, not only for women-owned businesses but all under-represented groups,” said Ruchita Banerjee, Supplier Diversity Procurement Manager.

Since 1999, WBENC has celebrated America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises honorees who successfully drive the sustainable inclusion of women-owned businesses within corporate and government supply chains and local communities through economic growth and job creation.

“America’s Top Corporations set the standard for leadership in corporate supplier diversity programs and supply chains, helping develop and support for women-owned businesses. Top Corporations are valued partners in our 26-year strong WBENC commitment to providing essential growth and opportunities to women entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC, the nation’s leader in women’s business development. 

The WBENC Top Corporations model reviews WBE outreach and engagement, such as providing support for successful onboarding and retention of WBEs for supply chain business needs and development of future WBEs. The model also assesses foundational concepts of supplier diversity, including overall program structure, contracting, and reporting, and organization accountability with executive leadership and line of business decision-makers.

In 2021, BASF also co-founded the Chemical Industry Forum, as part of their partnership with WBENC, to share best practices and increase the number of WBENC-certified suppliers capable of supporting industry needs.

To learn more about BASF’s Supplier Diversity Program, visit: https://www.basf.com/us/en/who-we-are/diversity/supplier-diversity.html

To learn more about America’s Top Corporations and WBENC, visit: https://www.wbenc.org/about-wbenc/awards/top-corporations-for-womens-business-enterprises/

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,700 employees in North America and had sales of $25.9 billion in 2021. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

About WBENC

WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) to provide its world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC is also the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, supported by more than 540 Corporate Members. Throughout the year, WBENC provides professional development, business development, and outreach opportunities for more than 18,000 WBENC-Certified women-owned businesses, Corporate and Government Members, and the national WBENC network. Learn more at www.wbenc.org.