Air and soil

We want to further reduce emissions to air from our production, prevent waste and protect the soil. We have set ourselves standards for doing so in global directives. If no recovery options are available for waste, we dispose of it in a proper and environmentally responsible manner.

The graphic depicts the different stations along the value chain. The topics in this chapter address the station shown in dark green. (here: Production, Customers) (graphic)

Strategy

  • Regular monitoring of emissions to air
  • Professional disposal of hazardous waste

Regular monitoring of our emissions to air is a part of environmental management at BASF. Aside from greenhouse gases, we also measure emissions of other pollutants into the atmosphere. Our reporting does not take into account air pollutant emissions from oil and gas operations due to their substantial fluctuation during exploration phases.

Our Raw Material Verbund helps us prevent or reduce waste. We regularly carry out audits to inspect external waste disposal companies to ensure that waste is properly disposed of. In this way, we also contribute to preventive soil protection and keep today’s waste from becoming tomorrow’s contamination.

When treatment is required for soil and groundwater contamination at active and former BASF sites, proper remediation measures are reviewed based on prevailing legal and current technical standards, and undertaken as necessary.

Emissions to air

  • Further reduction of emissions

Absolute emissions of air pollutants from our chemical plants amounted to 25,706 metric tons in 2017. Emissions of ozone-depleting substances as defined by the Montreal Protocol totaled 23 metric tons in 2017 (2016: 23 metric tons1). Emissions of heavy metals in 2017 amounted to 3 metric tons (2016: 3 metric tons).

Our product portfolio contains a variety of catalysts used in the automotive sector and in industry to reduce the emission of air pollutants.

Emissions to air (metric tons)
Air pollutants from BASF operations excluding Oil & Gas

 

 

2017

2016

1

The 2016 figure has been adjusted due to updated data.

CO (carbon monoxide)

 

3,644

3,585

NOX (total nitrogen oxides)

 

11,205

11,143

NMVOC (nonmethane volatile organic compounds)

 

4,727

4,824

SOX (total sulfur oxides)

 

1,753

1,872

Dust1

 

2,207

2,338

NH3 (ammonia) and other inorganic substances

 

2,170

2,229

Total

 

25,706

25,991

Management of waste and contaminated sites

  • Total waste volume on a level with the previous year
  • Systematic management of contaminated sites

Waste prevention is our topmost goal. If waste is unavoidable, we review the options for recycling or energy recovery, using BASF’s existing Verbund structures for efficient waste management. Total waste volume amounted to 2.12 million metric tons in 2017 (+1.0%).

Waste management in the BASF Group (million metric tons)

 

 

2017

2016

2

Comprises all production waste and hazardous waste from construction activities

3

The classification of waste into hazardous and nonhazardous waste is performed according to local regulations.

Total waste generation2

 

2.12

2.10

Thereof from oil and gas exploration

 

0.10

0.06

Waste recovered

 

0.79

0.77

Recycled

 

0.27

0.26

Thermally recovered

 

0.52

0.51

Waste disposed of

 

1.34

1.33

In underground landfills

 

0.17

0.14

In surface landfills

 

0.39

0.47

Through incineration

 

0.77

0.72

Classification of waste for disposal3

 

 

 

Nonhazardous waste

 

0.47

0.46

Hazardous waste

 

0.87

0.87

Transported hazardous waste

 

0.23

0.23

We set out global standards for our approach to managing contaminated sites. A worldwide network of experts ensures their proper implementation. We develop remediation solutions that combine nature conservation, climate protection concerns, costs, and social responsibility. This means making customized decisions on a case-by-case basis, founded on the legal framework and current technological possibilities.

We have been documenting relevant sites in a contaminated site database since 2013. Ongoing remediation work around the world continued on schedule and planning was concluded on future landfill remediation projects.

For more information on waste management, see:
Other operating expenses
Other provisions