BASF Increases Disinfectant Production Under "Helping Hands" Campaign

BASF is significantly expanding disinfectant production at its Ludwigshafen facility. In addition to the isopropanol-based hand disinfectants produced to date, BASF has begun production of bioethanol-based hand disinfectants. With weekly production of nearly 100,000 litres of additional hand disinfectant, the company will support the German Chemical Industry Association's (Verband der Chemischen Industrie, VCI) nationwide new online platform, Sanitizer Emergency Supply (Notversorgung Desinfektionsmittel). Michael Heinz, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and Site Director of Ludwigshafen, stated: "The chemical industry in Germany is accepting its social responsibilities and contributing to supporting our health system during the coronavirus pandemic. As BASF, we are proud to be part of the VCI initiative and to distribute hand disinfectant free of charge across the country. In addition, we can now expand our supply to the local region as well." BASF previously produced hand disinfectant containing only isopropanol at a pilot facility in the Ludwigshafen region. It now has the necessary conditions for another production line where bioethanol will also be used as a starting material. Ethanol was recently approved by authorities as an additional component. A large portion of the resulting production will be distributed free of charge through the VCI online platform launched several days ago.