BASF plans to cease production of the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium (GA) at the Knapsack and Frankfurt sites in Germany by the end of this year due to economic reasons.

The GA formulation in Frankfurt will end in 2025. 

Subsequently, both production facilities will be shut down. 

Glufosinate-ammonium remains a key component of BASF’s global herbicide portfolio.

BASF’s GA production is increasingly affected by rising competition from generic manufacturers, alternative technologies as well as high energy and raw material costs.

Despite both production facilities achieving cost reductions, BASF’s volume and profitability development is insufficient, therefore BASF is restructuring the production network and will source active ingredients from third-party suppliers to secure long-term competitiveness and profitability in the GA market.

All jobs (approximately 300) will be retained until the end of 2025 and then gradually reduced in consultation with employee representatives.

The company will work closely with employees to assist in finding future employment opportunities.

BASF director Michael Heinz said the company remains committed to providing customers with top-quality GA solutions.

“At the same time, we will continue to focus on the development of next-generation GA solutions which achieve the same results with significantly lower application rates, benefiting farmers in the Americas and Asia,” Mr Heinz said.