BASF and Heidelberg University extend catalyst partnership

In Germany, Heidelberg University and chemical giant BASF have extended their joint catalyst development agreement for five more years. The research, being undertaken at Heidelberg’s Catalysis Research Laboratory, will develop catalysts that use raw materials more efficiently, reduce the CO₂ footprint of products and production processes, develop new processes for chemical recycling, and work on catalysis systems for the efficient production of biobased and biodegradable polymers.

CaRLa has also in recent years intensified its work on new processes for the chemical recycling of plastic waste. One example is selectively breaking down polyurethane plastics into basic building blocks which can be recycled to form polymers again.

“Basic research in the field of homogeneous catalysis is important for BASF, as it helps us develop chemical processes that require less energy and generate less waste. CaRLa is thus an important cornerstone for us to achieve BASF’s sustainability goals,” said Dr. Helmut Winterling, President BASF Group Research. “At BASF, we have benefited in recent years from CaRLa’s broad expertise and research findings. We are therefore very pleased to continue our collaboration with Heidelberg University and our access to this chemical and technical know-how in the future.”

Since 2015, 18 projects have been transferred from CaRLa to BASF research, where they are further developed for industrial applications.