Gasgoo Munich- BASF marked a major milestone on March 26, officially inaugurating its world-scale integrated production base in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province. The facility represents a total investment of roughly 8.7 billion euros. It is the German chemical giant's seventh integrated site globally and its third-largest. It trails only the massive complexes in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium.
Image Source: BASF
Spanning roughly 4 square kilometers with a workforce of more than 2,000, the facility has already brought 18 plants and 32 production lines onstream. Capable of producing over 70 different products ranging from basic chemicals to intermediates and performance chemicals, the output is primarily destined for the Chinese market. These materials will serve sectors from transportation and consumer goods to electronics and home and personal care—aligning perfectly with BASF's global strategy of "producing locally for local markets."
A standout feature is the site's low-carbon design. It boasts the world's first ethylene cracker where main compressors are powered entirely by renewable energy. With an annual capacity of 1 million tons, the unit can flexibly process feedstocks like naphtha and butane to churn out high-quality, low-carbon products. By leveraging integration, process innovation, and renewable power, the complex slashes carbon dioxide emissions by 50% compared to traditional petrochemical hubs. Backed by long-term direct power purchase agreements and investments in offshore wind farms, the site runs on 100% renewable electricity—setting a new benchmark for sustainable chemical production worldwide.
The project timeline stretches back to 2018, with construction starting the following year. Operations kicked off with an engineering plastics plant in 2022. This was followed by a thermoplastic polyurethane unit in 2024. The core facilities launched successfully between late 2025 and early 2026. Ultimately, the project was delivered on time and within budget. BASF has operated in China for over 140 years, with major production hubs now in Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, and Zhanjiang. In 2025, revenue in Greater China hit 8.2 billion euros with a workforce of nearly 13,000. The full launch of the Zhanjiang base serves as a critical platform for BASF's growth in the country, further solidifying its production and innovation network in the region.
