In a major step toward improving safe water access in rural India, Lubrizol, a global specialty chemicals company, partnered with Ashirvad by Aliaxis, a leading CPVC pipes and fittings brand, to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in government schools in Pune district, Maharashtra. The initiative, implemented with the support of the Jal Seva Charitable Foundation (JSCF), has enabled the installation of modern water and sanitation systems across four government schools, ensuring access to 13,000 litres of clean water daily for over 565 students and 26 staff members.

Addressing Water Challenges in Rural Schools

In many rural communities surrounding Pune, access to safe drinking water in schools remains a challenge. The schools included in this programme primarily serve children from tribal and historically underserved communities, where reliable water and sanitation facilities have often been limited. Prior to the intervention, these schools faced significant gaps in drinking water availability and sanitation infrastructure, affecting both health and learning conditions. By upgrading WASH infrastructure, the project aims to create a safer and healthier school environment where students can focus on education without worrying about basic necessities.

Building Reliable Water Infrastructure

To address these challenges, Lubrizol funded the complete installation of water and sanitation infrastructure across all four schools. Meanwhile, Ashirvad by Aliaxis contributed high-quality FlowGuard® Plus CPVC pipes and fittings, which are widely recognized for their durability, corrosion resistance, and safety in water distribution systems. As a result, the newly installed infrastructure now provides more than 6,000 litres of safe drinking water daily, ensuring that students and teachers have consistent access to clean water. The robust plumbing system also ensures long-term reliability and sustainability of the water supply.

Promoting Hygiene Awareness and Sustainable Practices

Beyond infrastructure development, the programme also focuses on education and community engagement. The initiative includes structured awareness sessions on hygiene, sanitation, and responsible water usage for students, teachers, and the broader school community. These sessions encourage students to adopt healthy hygiene habits and responsible water management practices, helping ensure that the benefits of the project extend beyond immediate infrastructure improvements.

Industry Collaboration for Social Impact

Binay Agrawal, Business Director, TempRite CPVC at Lubrizol IMEA, said, “For many schools across rural India, access to safe water and hygiene facilities is still not guaranteed. By strengthening WASH infrastructure in these schools, we aim to create healthier environments where children can focus on learning while developing lifelong hygiene habits. At Lubrizol, improving environments through safe water access is central to our work, and our longstanding partnership with Ashirvad by Aliaxis allows us to deliver solutions that make a meaningful difference on the ground.”

Nilanjana Pahari, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Jal Seva Charitable Foundation, emphasized, “Jal Seva Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with Lubrizol to strengthen WASH infrastructure across Zilla Parishad schools in rural Pune. With the support of local panchayats, school administrations, and Ashirvad by Aliaxis, this initiative has enabled reliable access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and better hygiene practices for children in tribal communities.”

Supporting Healthier Learning Environments

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Lubrizol and Ashirvad to address real challenges faced by underserved communities. By combining Lubrizol’s expertise in specialty chemicals and water infrastructure materials with Ashirvad’s trusted plumbing solutions, the partnership aims to deliver long-term improvements in rural water access. As per the press release, through such collaborative efforts, the companies are contributing to healthier learning environments, improved sanitation standards, and stronger community resilience in rural India – while advancing the broader goal of equitable access to safe water for all.

In a step toward reducing industrial emissions, Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Tata Steel are expanding their partnership to promote EcoZen, a low-carbon zinc solution designed to support cleaner steel production and sustainable supply chains. The collaboration aims to significantly lower carbon emissions across the steel value chain while supporting India’s transition toward greener industrial growth.

EcoZen: A Low-Carbon Zinc for Sustainable Manufacturing

EcoZen is a low-carbon zinc produced using renewable energy, developed by Hindustan Zinc to help industries reduce their environmental footprint. The product has a carbon footprint of less than one tonne of CO₂ per tonne of zinc, which is approximately 75 percent lower than the global industry average.

By lowering emissions at the raw material stage, EcoZen enables manufacturers to reduce the overall carbon intensity of their production processes. As a result, companies using EcoZen can move closer to their decarbonization and sustainability targets.

Supporting Greener Steel Production

Zinc plays a crucial role in the galvanisation process, where it protects steel from corrosion. Galvanised steel is widely used in infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and electronics, making zinc an essential material for modern industrial development.

When steel manufacturers use EcoZen instead of conventional zinc, they can reduce approximately 400 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per tonne of galvanised steel. This reduction significantly helps companies lower Scope 3 emissions, which originate from their supply chains. Consequently, EcoZen is emerging as a practical solution for industries seeking to build greener and more sustainable supply networks.

Strengthening Strategic Industry Collaboration

The collaboration between Hindustan Zinc and Tata Steel highlights the growing importance of partnerships in driving industrial sustainability. By working together, the companies aim to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon metals across India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized, “EcoZen represents our vision to offer sustainable metal solutions that support the evolving needs of global manufacturing. Our partnership with Tata Steel is a significant milestone in scaling up the adoption of low-carbon zinc and reinforcing greener supply chains across India’s industrial ecosystem.”

Ranjan Sinha, Chief Procurement Officer at Tata Steel, said, “Tata Steel congratulates its strategic partner, Hindustan Zinc, on the delivery of EcoZen—an environment-friendly zinc metal—to our Sahibabad plant. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to sustainable practices and advancing green technologies within our supplier ecosystem.”

Advancing India’s Low-Carbon Industrial Future

Through the partnership, Hindustan Zinc and Tata Steel aim to expand the use of low-carbon materials in industrial production, supporting India’s broader climate and sustainability goals. The initiative also aligns with the growing global focus on responsible sourcing, climate-friendly procurement, and resilient supply chains. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, as industries increasingly adopt low-carbon raw materials, solutions like EcoZen could play a critical role in helping manufacturers reduce emissions while maintaining performance and reliability in steel production.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select beneficiaries for establishing integrated Sintered NdFeB Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing facilities in India. The initiative aims to build a total production capacity of 6,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA) under the government’s Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet. Through the global tender, the government seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and position India as a major global supplier of rare earth permanent magnets.

Global Tender to Encourage Domestic Manufacturing

Under the bidding process, eligible companies can submit proposals to set up integrated sintered NdFeB REPM manufacturing plants in India. Successful applicants will qualify for capital subsidies and sales-linked incentives provided under the scheme.

The bidding process will be conducted online through the Central Public Procurement (CPP) Portal using a transparent Least Cost System (LCS). The process will involve two stages—Technical Bid and Financial Bid—to ensure fair and competitive selection of project developers.

Government Approves ₹7,280 Crore Incentive Scheme

The initiative follows the government’s approval on November 26, 2025, for the Scheme to promote manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets. The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore and represents a first-of-its-kind policy initiative in India aimed at establishing a robust domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem. Each selected beneficiary will be allocated manufacturing capacity between 600 MTPA and 1,200 MTPA, in multiples of 100 MTPA. In addition, the three lowest bidders will receive assured supply of NdPr oxide from IREL (India) Ltd., which will support stable raw material availability.

Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

Sintered NdFeB rare earth permanent magnets are among the most powerful magnets available today and play a crucial role in several advanced technologies. They are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, high-end electronics, aerospace systems, and defence equipment.

Currently, global supply chains for these magnets are highly concentrated, making supply security a strategic priority for many countries. By promoting domestic production and building a complete value chain—from NdPr oxide to finished magnets—India aims to significantly reduce import dependence while strengthening its position in the global rare earth magnet market.

Boosting India’s Position in the Global Supply Chain

Through this scheme, the government intends to create a fully integrated rare earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem in India. The initiative will support the growth of electric mobility, renewable energy, and advanced electronics industries, all of which depend heavily on rare earth magnet technology.

Moreover, the programme aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) vision, encouraging domestic manufacturing while attracting global investments into strategic sectors. As reported by pib.gov.in, by establishing a strong manufacturing base for NdFeB rare earth permanent magnets, India aims to become a key global hub for advanced magnet production and supply in the coming years.

India’s urea production has dropped sharply after liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz forced fertiliser plants to operate at significantly reduced capacity. Industry sources said several ammonia–urea plants across the country are currently running at around half capacity following force majeure declarations by LNG suppliers amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of India’s fertiliser sector to global energy supply shocks, particularly because natural gas is the primary feedstock used in urea production.

Force Majeure Declared After LNG Supply Disruptions

The situation escalated after Petronet LNG Ltd, which operates India’s largest LNG receiving terminal, declared force majeure. According to industry sources, upstream suppliers informed the company that they were unable to deliver contracted LNG cargoes due to disruptions affecting shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route. As a result, the reduced LNG availability has triggered a ripple effect across India’s gas supply chain.

Gas Supply Curtailments Hit Fertiliser Plants

Following the disruption, state-owned gas distributors—GAIL (India) Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)—curtailed gas supplies to fertiliser plants that receive LNG under RasGas contracts. Gas deliveries to fertiliser units have been reduced to approximately 60–65 percent of normal levels. However, when scheduled plant maintenance and turnarounds over the past six months are considered, effective gas availability at some facilities has dropped below 50 percent. Consequently, urea output at affected plants has declined by around 50 percent, significantly impacting domestic fertiliser production.

Lower Production, Higher Energy Consumption

Operating large ammonia-urea plants at partial loads has also created serious efficiency challenges. Plant officials said energy consumption at some facilities has increased by up to 40 percent, despite reduced output. This is because large industrial units are designed to run at stable loads rather than fluctuating production levels.

Operational Challenges and Safety Concerns

In addition to supply shortages, fertiliser companies have faced operational challenges due to sudden gas allocation changes. After Ras Laffan LNG Company invoked force majeure, fertiliser plants reportedly received updated gas consumption limits at very short notice, sometimes late at night. Plant operators say such abrupt load adjustments are difficult for large train-based ammonia-urea plants, which require stable operating conditions.

Pricing Changes Add Financial Pressure

The supply disruption has also introduced pricing uncertainty for fertiliser producers. GAIL informed fertiliser companies that long-term regasified LNG (RLNG) supplies would now be invoiced at multiple price points, including the contract price, GAIL Pooled Price, and Gazette Pooled Price, with effect from March 1, 2026.

Industry sources said the pooled price mechanism is provisional and subject to retrospective adjustments under government guidelines, which could create additional financial challenges for fertiliser manufacturers already coping with lower production and higher energy costs.

Potential Impact on Fertiliser Supply

India is one of the largest consumers of urea globally, and prolonged supply disruptions could affect fertiliser availability ahead of the kharif sowing season, when demand for nitrogen fertilisers typically rises. However, current inventory levels offer some short-term relief. As of March 19, India’s urea stocks stood at 61.14 lakh tonnes, compared with 55.22 lakh tonnes during the same period last year. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, industry analysts warn that continued LNG supply disruptions or prolonged geopolitical tensions could place additional pressure on the country’s fertiliser production and supply chain in the coming months.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is strengthening its presence in the global electrolyser market, aiming to capitalize on the rising demand for green hydrogen and alternative fuels. As global energy strategies evolve due to geopolitical tensions and supply-chain shifts, the engineering major sees significant opportunities to position itself as a competitive supplier of electrolyser technology and green energy solutions. Subramanian Sarma, Deputy Managing Director and President of L&T, highlighted that the company is looking beyond short-term disruptions. Instead, L&T is focusing on building long-term growth through investments in green hydrogen, electrolysers, and green ammonia.

Rising Global Demand for Electrolysers

The global push for clean energy and decarbonization has accelerated investments in
hydrogen-based energy systems. At the same time, companies are increasingly diversifying their sourcing strategies due to geopolitical uncertainties and the ongoing “China+1” supply-chain shift.

In this context, L&T is witnessing growing interest from international energy companies seeking alternative suppliers for electrolysers. According to Sarma, the company’s cost competitiveness and engineering expertise could enable it to compete effectively with established European manufacturers. “Global customers are actively evaluating alternative supply sources,” he said, adding that L&T’s capabilities position it well to capture a share of the expanding global electrolyser market.

Scaling Up Electrolyser Technology

To strengthen its technology base, L&T has successfully scaled up its electrolyser modules from 0.5 MW to 4 MW capacity. These larger modules are currently undergoing testing and will soon be deployed in the company’s green hydrogen project at Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat refinery.

The company is exploring export opportunities for its electrolyser solutions. Potential installations are being evaluated in regions with abundant and low-cost renewable energy, including West Asia and parts of Asia, where green hydrogen production is expected to expand rapidly.

Advancing Green Ammonia Partnerships

Alongside its hydrogen initiatives, L&T is also progressing with its green ammonia development plans. The company has been working closely with global partners, including Japan’s Itochu Corporation, to develop commercial agreements for the supply and offtake of green ammonia. Sarma noted that discussions with Itochu are advancing toward a definitive offtake agreement, which could support large-scale deployment of green ammonia projects in the future.

Expanding Renewable Energy Projects Worldwide

In parallel with its hydrogen strategy, L&T is expanding its presence in renewable energy infrastructure across global markets. The company is actively participating in offshore wind projects in Europe, where it has already secured contracts for platforms totaling 4 gigawatts of capacity.

Additionally, L&T is engaging with customers to potentially double this capacity to 8 gigawatts, marking a major milestone in its offshore wind business. At the same time, the company is diversifying its renewable energy portfolio by exploring solar energy opportunities in Indonesia and supplying renewable energy modules to projects in Australia.

Exploring New Markets in Africa

Beyond its current operations, L&T is also evaluating opportunities in emerging energy markets in Africa. The company is currently in discussions with several international oil and energy companies regarding potential projects in the region. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by expanding its geographic footprint and investing in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and sustainable fuels, L&T aims to position itself as a key player in the global energy transition while building a strong pipeline of future growth opportunities.

As viral diseases continue to present complex global health challenges, scientists are increasingly focusing on therapies that target host-cell mechanisms used by viruses to replicate. Reflecting this emerging scientific direction, Godavari Biorefineries Limited secured a patent from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for its invention titled “Use of Compounds for Treating Viral Infections.” The patent protects the second medical use of the company’s lead compound MSP22 and its derivatives for antiviral applications through the inhibition of Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a key cellular mechanism associated with viral infection pathways.

Targeting Host-Cell Mechanisms to Combat Viral Infections

Unlike conventional antiviral drugs that directly target viruses, the newly patented compounds work by inhibiting V-ATPase activity within host cells. The cellular enzyme complex plays a critical role in viral entry and replication. By targeting this pathway, the compounds may disrupt the environment viruses require to multiply, potentially offering a broader antiviral strategy that could be effective against multiple viral families rather than a single virus type. This innovation forms part of Godavari Biorefineries’ expanding life sciences research programme, aimed at developing advanced therapeutic solutions for global health challenges.

Collaborative Research Driving Pharmaceutical Innovation

The antiviral compounds were developed through the company’s biotechnology initiative Sathgen Therapeutics, which focuses on translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications. The patent recognises the collaborative efforts of the research team, including Dr. Maithili Athavale, Dr. Sandip Gavade, Dr. Prashant Kharkar, and Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, who are listed as inventors. Their work represents a significant step in building a strong intellectual property portfolio in antiviral drug discovery, reinforcing the company’s growing presence in pharmaceutical innovation.

Strengthening Global Intellectual Property Protection

Securing the patent in Japan marks an important milestone in Godavari Biorefineries’ strategy to protect its antiviral technology in major global markets. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said, “Securing this patent in Japan reflects a natural extension of our ongoing work in drug discovery. As we advanced our R&D efforts on lead molecules, we identified their potential to inhibit mechanisms such as V-ATPase, which are relevant in antiviral applications. Protecting this therapeutic use in a market like Japan is an important step in strengthening our intellectual property portfolio and advancing molecules with broader clinical potential.”

Exploring New Directions in Antiviral Therapy

Researchers believe that targeting V-ATPase, a critical cellular enzyme exploited by viruses, could open new avenues in antiviral treatment. Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at Godavari Biorefineries Limited, stated, “Research that targets V-ATPase, a critical cellular enzyme complex exploited by viruses, could open new directions in antiviral therapy. This patent reflects our effort to translate scientific research into therapeutic approaches that could eventually address critical global health challenges.”

Expanding Life Sciences Through Sathgen Therapeutics

Godavari Biorefineries is advancing its life sciences strategy through Sathgen Therapeutics, its clinical-stage biotechnology arm. The initiative is developing a pipeline of novel cancer and antiviral therapies, building on the company’s research in host-cell biological pathways and anti-cancer molecules. Furthermore, the programme is supported by international research collaborations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transforming scientific discovery into practical therapeutic solutions. As per the press release, through these efforts, Godavari Biorefineries continues to strengthen its role in life sciences innovation, antiviral drug research, and global pharmaceutical development.

WACKER has reached another important milestone in strengthening its silicone manufacturing footprint in India. The company commissioned a production complex for silicone emulsions at its Panagarh site in West Bengal, significantly enhancing its ability to serve the growing cosmetics and personal care industries.

Spread across a 15,000-square-meter area, the operational facility produces GMP-certified silicone emulsions that comply fully with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines of the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI). With this expansion, WACKER will substantially increase its silicone emulsion production capacity in India while creating around 60 new jobs at the site.

Christian Kirsten, Member of WACKER’s Executive Board, highlighted, “Our facilities in Panagarh are truly world-class and will produce top-quality, high-purity products which are in great demand, particularly in the cosmetics and personal care industries”.

Growing Demand from the Personal Care Industry

The personal care sector continues to be one of the key growth drivers for WACKER’s silicone business in India. Through its fully consolidated joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC), the company has established itself as a leading supplier of silicone raw materials used in cosmetics, shampoos, and a wide range of personal care formulations.

WMC serves a broad customer base that includes both domestic manufacturers and global consumer goods companies operating in India. According to Tom Koini, Head of WACKER’s Silicones Division, the market outlook remains highly promising.

“The demand for our silicone products remains strong, and we expect further significant growth in India,” he said. “By expanding our production capabilities in Panagarh, we are well positioned to meet this increasing demand and support the growth of our customers.”

Building on a Strong Manufacturing Legacy in India

WACKER’s silicone manufacturing journey in India began in 1999, when the company started production at its Amtala site near Kolkata. Over the years, the facility has produced a wide range of silicone products, including silicone fluids, emulsions, and silicone rubber compounds.

To support expanding market demand, WACKER later developed its Panagarh site, which spans 165,000 square meters. The site began operations in 2022 and currently manufactures silicone rubber and ready-to-use silicone compounds for high-growth industries such as electromobility, medical technology, and electrical power supply.

Panagarh Emerges as a Key Silicone Production Hub

With the commissioning of this latest expansion phase, the Panagarh facility now serves as WACKER’s second major hub for silicone emulsion production in India. The company plans to further strengthen the site through additional investments, positioning it as a central node in the regional silicones supply chain.

As per the press release, at the same time, the Amtala site will increasingly focus on product innovation and process development, enabling WACKER to accelerate technology advancements while maintaining efficient production capacity across both locations. Sascha Büchel, Managing Director of Wacker Metroark, noted that the expansion represents a crucial step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“The successful completion of the expansion work in Panagarh is key to our future success in India,” he said. “Our main site in Amtala has played an outstanding role, but it is increasingly reaching its capacity limits. Panagarh provides us with the space, infrastructure, and flexibility required to continue our success story in India.”

Honeywell introduced a new infrared gas sensor designed to detect flammable gases in industrial environments, helping improve worker safety and protect critical infrastructure. The newly launched NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor uses optical non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to identify hazardous gases such as methane, propane, and butane. The advanced sensing solution is designed for use in high-risk industries including mining, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and plastics manufacturing, where reliable gas detection is essential for maintaining safe operations.

Advanced Technology for Accurate Gas Detection

Honeywell’s latest sensor uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, which enables accurate detection of flammable hydrocarbons by measuring the absorption of infrared light. This approach enhances precision, reliability, and long-term performance, making it a critical component in modern gas detection systems.

“In gas detection, the accuracy, precision and reliability of the sensing solution are crucial for worker safety,” said Carmen Becker, President of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “Our new flammable gas sensor demonstrates how Honeywell combines deep domain expertise with innovative technology to strengthen operational safety in industries that support global infrastructure.”

Designed for Fixed and Portable Gas Detection Systems

The 4-Series NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor can be integrated into both fixed gas monitoring systems and portable gas detectors carried by workers. These devices are commonly used in underground mines, processing plants, refineries, and other industrial environments where hazardous gases may accumulate. By providing fast and accurate detection, the sensor helps gas detection systems quickly alert workers to potential exposure to dangerous gases, allowing them to take immediate safety measures.

Built for Harsh Industrial Environments

Industrial workplaces often expose sensors to dust, gas leaks, and extreme temperature variations. To address these challenges, Honeywell designed the new NDIR gas sensor to operate reliably in demanding conditions, including mines, refineries, and chemical processing facilities. The sensor features an integrated condensation reduction system, which removes excess moisture and maintains performance in humid environments and confined industrial spaces. This design ensures stable operation even under challenging operating conditions.

Improved Durability and Energy Efficiency

Unlike traditional pellistor or catalytic bead sensors, which can degrade or become “poisoned” when exposed to certain gases or contaminants, Honeywell’s NDIR sensor offers higher resistance to sensor poisoning. This significantly reduces the risk of sensor failure and helps prevent false gas detection alerts. In addition, the infrared technology consumes less power compared to conventional flammable gas sensors. Lower energy consumption extends the battery life of portable gas detectors, enabling workers to operate monitoring devices for longer periods in the field.

Strengthening Safety in Critical Industries

With the launch of the NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor, Honeywell continues to advance technologies that improve industrial safety, gas detection reliability, and operational efficiency. As per the press release, by delivering accurate, durable, and energy-efficient sensing solutions, the company aims to help industries reduce workplace hazards and protect both personnel and infrastructure in high-risk environments.

BASF’s Intermediates division has taken a significant step toward advancing its sustainability strategy by converting the entire portfolio of acid chlorides and chloroformates produced at its Ludwigshafen site to run on 100 percent renewable electricity credits.

Since 2025, the production facility has been manufacturing around 25 products using renewable electricity credits, including all upstream raw-material processes. As a result, BASF has successfully integrated renewable energy into the entire production chain, reinforcing its commitment to lowering emissions and promoting sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Significant Reduction in Product Carbon Footprint

The transition has already delivered measurable environmental benefits. In 2025, BASF achieved an average 19 percent reduction in product carbon footprint (PCF) across its acid chloride and chloroformate portfolio. The company expects similar reductions in 2026 and the years ahead.

Importantly, customers can adopt these lower-carbon products without making operational changes. BASF continues to supply the chemicals without requiring recertification, specification changes, or modifications to ordering processes. This seamless transition allows customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions while maintaining consistent product performance and supply reliability.

Modernized Ludwigshafen Facility Boosts Capacity

At the same time, BASF has completed the modernization of a major production asset at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site. The upgraded facility has increased production capacity for chloroformates and acid chlorides by approximately 30 percent.

Consequently, the improved product carbon footprint now applies to a significantly larger production volume, strengthening BASF’s ability to meet growing global demand while ensuring long-term supply security.

Alisha Van Dyck, Vice President Business Management Acetylenics, Carbonyl Derivatives, Acids & Polyalcohols Europe at BASF, said, “Modernizing our asset and converting to renewable electricity means our customers for acid chlorides and chloroformates don’t have to choose between sustainability and availability. This move reflects our commitment to translating our customers’ needs into concrete, verifiable CO₂ reductions across their value chains.”

Supporting BASF’s Broader Sustainability Goals

The move also aligns with BASF’s broader ambition to become the preferred chemical partner supporting customers’ green transformation. Notably, the initiative follows BASF’s global transition of its amines portfolio to renewable electricity in the previous year, highlighting the company’s ongoing effort to expand renewable energy use across its intermediates business.

In addition, BASF already offers biobased and biomass-balanced (BMB) variants for several acid chlorides and chloroformates. These include biobased products such as palmitoyl chloride, octanoyl chloride, and ethyl chloroformate, as well as biomass-balanced variants for isononanoyl chloride.

With the entire portfolio now produced using renewable electricity credits, BASF is further transforming its product range while enabling customers to lower their carbon footprint without altering product specifications or manufacturing processes.

Key Supplier of Chemical Intermediates

BASF remains one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chloroformates, acid chlorides, and alkyl chlorides, with a combined annual production capacity of about 60,000 metric tons. The company operates major production facilities in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Yeosu, South Korea. As per the press release, these intermediates play a crucial role in numerous industries. Customers use them as key synthesis building blocks for pharmaceuticals, crop protection products, and organic peroxides, supporting a wide range of advanced chemical applications worldwide.

SEW-EURODRIVE India inaugurated its new Drive Technology Centre (DTC) in Chennai, one of South India’s fastest-growing industrial hubs. With this strategic move, the company significantly enhances its ability to serve customers across southern and eastern India. The facility is designed to deliver faster response times, improved reliability, and strong long-term support.

Built for Scale and Future Growth

Spread across 12.27 acres, the state-of-the-art facility features a 21,350-square-metre assembly and service unit. Not only does it provide the scale required for current operations, but it also offers the flexibility to accommodate evolving application needs and future expansion. As a result, SEW-EURODRIVE India is better positioned to support customer growth while maintaining operational efficiency.

Commitment to Sustainability and Engineering Excellence

The new DTC reflects the company’s focus on sustainable development and technology leadership. It seamlessly combines global engineering standards with strong local execution. Moreover, the facility complies with green building norms, incorporating natural daylight, solar power generation, and rainwater harvesting systems.

In addition, energy-efficient construction and advanced climate control systems help reduce shopfloor temperatures by up to 3°C. This not only ensures stable production conditions but also enhances product quality and creates a more comfortable working environment.

Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Readiness

At the heart of the facility lies a 15,000-square-metre assembly shop equipped with digitisation-ready, high-productivity assembly cells. These cells operate on a single-piece flow concept, enabling streamlined production and improved efficiency. Furthermore, the centre houses SEW-EURODRIVE India’s first semi-automated painting booth. This addition ensures consistent surface quality while increasing throughput, thereby enhancing overall manufacturing performance.

Driving Long-Term Industrial Partnerships

With the launch of this Drive Technology Centre, SEW-EURODRIVE India reinforces its position as a trusted industry partner. As per the press release, by investing in advanced infrastructure and future-ready capabilities, the company aims to support the long-term growth and transformation of India’s industrial sector.