BASF and Arkema Unveil THF Recycling Project to Advance Circular Economy in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park

As the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park marks the 30th anniversary of its development and construction, BASF and Arkema have jointly introduced a 'Point-to-Point Recycling Project for Tetrahydrofuran Aqueous Solution', bringing renewed momentum to the park’s efforts to advance a circular economy within the chemical sector.

On 9 December, the two companies held a signing ceremony at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park. The event was attended by leaders from the Park Management Committee and Development Company, representatives from BASF, and teams from Arkema, who together witnessed the launch of this significant green milestone.

Under the collaboration plan, BASF and Arkema aim to recycle approximately 1,500 tonnes of tetrahydrofuran aqueous solution annually within the park. Arkema’s by-product, previously sent for external disposal, will now be transformed into qualified raw material for downstream production through BASF’s advanced purification technology, ensuring both compliance and process controllability. This model enhances resource efficiency and offers a practical, replicable pathway for establishing point-to-point circular systems in the chemical industry.

Yang Bo, Senior Vice President of Operations and Site Management for Greater China at BASF, noted that the initiative is expected to inject strong momentum into the sustainable development of the site, while providing a valuable reference for future industrial synergy projects within the park.