BASF has completed the sale of its Styrodur extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation business, including the brand, to Karl Bachl Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH & Co. KG (BACHL).
BASF, a global chemical leader, has officially transferred its Styrodur® business to Karl Bachl Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH & Co. KG (BACHL), a prominent German manufacturer of insulation materials. The successful completion of this transaction, effective June 30, 2025, follows regulatory approvals and marks a strategic realignment for both companies within the insulation sector. The financial specifics of the deal remain confidential, as agreed upon by the parties involved.
The acquisition of the Styrodur business, which encompasses the well-known insulation material made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) and its established brand, is a natural progression for BACHL. The company had already expanded its sales network in January 2025 by taking over the distribution of Styrodur products, demonstrating its deep familiarity and commitment to the brand. As a long-standing Styrodur sales partner of BASF, BACHL possesses extensive experience with the product, making this a seamless integration into their existing portfolio.
For BASF, this divestiture is a clear signal of its sharpened strategic focus. Dr. Klaus Ries, Head of Business Management Styrenics Europe at BASF, articulated the company's renewed direction: "BASF is consistently focusing its strategy on expandable polystyrene with our well-known brands Neopor® and Styropor®." This move is aimed at enhancing BASF's position in the EPS market and expanding its business in this segment.
To further reinforce this commitment, BASF has announced significant investment in its EPS production. The company plans to increase Neopor®'s production capacity at its Ludwigshafen site by 50,000 tons, reaching a total of 250,000 tons per year. This expanded capacity is anticipated to be operational from the beginning of 2027, indicating BASF's long-term vision for growth in the expandable polystyrene sector, which is crucial for energy-efficient building solutions.
Approximately 50 employees at BASF SE, involved in the Styrodur® business across production, marketing, and sales, will remain with BASF SE. This arrangement ensures a smooth transition and continuity for the affected workforce, reflecting BASF's commitment to its employees while streamlining its portfolio.
The completion of this transaction signifies a pivotal moment for both BASF and BACHL. It enables BASF to concentrate its resources on its core EPS offerings and capitalize on growing market demands for sustainable insulation solutions, particularly with its high-performance Neopor and Styropor brands.
