BASF Commissions Aroma Plants In Germany, China
BASF has announced the commissioning of three new world-scale production facilities for menthol and linalool in Ludwigshafen and citral in Zhanjiang, strengthening its global aroma ingredients footprint.
The citral plant in Zhanjiang will cater to both local demand and downstream production, including menthol and linalool at Ludwigshafen. Commercial production across all three facilities began in April 2026, with the Ludwigshafen expansion generating around 60 new jobs. The investment in Germany is in the triple-digit million-euro range.
Menthol is widely used in oral care, pharmaceuticals and confectionery, while linalool, a key lavender-like aroma ingredient, finds extensive applications in laundry care, personal care and fine fragrances.
By integrating the new menthol and linalool capacities into its Ludwigshafen Verbund site, BASF is leveraging existing infrastructure, expertise and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and resource utilization.
“These investments underscore the advantages of the Verbund within BASF’s global production network and reflect our strong commitment to the Ludwigshafen site,” said Katja Scharpwinkel, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE.
The Zhanjiang citral facility, inaugurated following the launch of BASF’s Verbund site there in March 2026, plays a key role in strengthening supply reliability and supporting growing global demand across the fragrance and flavor industry.
“The addition of these capacities reinforces our ability to ensure supply security while supporting growth with our customers,” said Steffen Goetz, Senior Vice President, Global Aroma Ingredients.
With these expansions, BASF enhances its position in the citral value chain, improves supply reliability and advances its sustainability goals through optimized resource use and integrated production across its global Verbund network.
