BASF’s Aroma Ingredients business unit has launched three newly built, world-scale production plants in a significant global expansion of its fragrance and flavor supply chain. 

 

The facilities include menthol and linalool plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and a citral plant in Zhanjiang, China.

 

The announcement follows the inauguration of BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund site on March 26, 2026. In Ludwigshafen alone, the investment runs into the triple-digit million-euro range, underscoring the scale of the company’s commitment.

 

The new citral plant in Zhanjiang will serve both the local market and expanded downstream production in Germany, supplying key inputs for menthol and linalool manufacturing. Menthol is widely used in oral and body care products, confectionery flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. 

 

Linalool, a lavender-scented ingredient, is extensively used in laundry care as well as home care, personal care, and fine fragrances.

 

By integrating new downstream capacities into its Ludwigshafen Verbund site, BASF says it can more efficiently leverage existing infrastructure, expertise, and advanced production systems. 

 

Katja Scharpwinkel, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and Site Director of Ludwigshafen, said: “These investments underscore the advantages of the Verbund within BASF’s global production network and represent a clear commitment to the Ludwigshafen site.”

 

Construction across all three sites began after groundbreaking in June 2023. Since early 2026, the Zhanjiang citral plant and expanded Ludwigshafen facilities have already begun producing in-spec products, with customer supply starting in April 2026.

 

The new capacity strengthens BASF’s position in the competitive fragrance and flavor industry by improving supply security and expanding output of high-demand aroma ingredients.

 

Steffen Goetz, Senior Vice President, Global Aroma Ingredients, said: “This investment underlines our strong commitment to growth with our customers in the F&F industry.”

 

He added: “The large-scale investment projects have been completed safely, on schedule, within the defined scope, and on budget at two Verbund sites across two continents. With the new capacities, we have one of the broadest asset footprints in the industry, allowing us to maintain high levels of supply reliability and security for our customers.”