BASF – Waste Stream Optimization

BASF in McIntosh, Alabama, produces chemicals vital to our economy’s sustainability and quality of life. Climate protection is a key pillar of BASF’s sustainability efforts, with a goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 and reduce absolute carbon dioxide emissions by 25% by 2030.

Through BASF’s site waste minimization program, employees continuously evaluate all waste streams to identify opportunities to reduce the quantity and improve sustainability in the disposal. BASF produces Light Stabilizers that enhance the durability of plastics and coatings for automotive and construction materials, resulting in hazardous waste shipped offsite for energy recovery. In 2021, employees determined that this waste could be used onsite. A total of 1.9 million pounds of recovered t-butanol [BYOO TUH NOL] was transferred from Light Stabilizers to the hazardous waste boiler at the McIntosh site. The impact of this project is the elimination of 35 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from transportation and 554 metric tons of Natural Gas (CH4) in one year. This impact is equivalent to 3,040 passenger vehicles driving the roads for one year or almost 600,000 trash bags of waste diverted from local landfills.

“This project team exemplifies two of BASF’s core competencies, Collaborate for Achievement and Act with Entrepreneurial Drive,” said Allison Ruffing, EHS and OpEx Manager at BASF. “They worked across production units and departments to find a creative solution that is mutually beneficial and supports our long-term sustainability goals.”

In addition to being an essential step towards native habitat restoration, this project also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 130 tons per year once the forest has reached maturity. This translates to approximately 300,000 miles traveled by car. These practices align with the purpose and values of AM/NS Calvert, which has a strong foundation in providing leadership in progressive environmental practices and sustainability.