BASF Increases Global HMD Capacity to 260,000 Metric Tons

German chemical giant BASF has officially commenced operations at its new world-scale hexamethylenediamine (HMD) plant located in Chalampé, France. With construction beginning in 2022, this project marks a pivotal milestone in BASF’s European production strategy. The new plant raises the company’s total global HMD production capacity to 260,000 metric tons per year, reinforcing BASF’s leadership in the high-performance polyamide segment.

The decision to invest in HMD production capacity aligns with the growing demand for polyamide 6.6 (PA 6.6) in key sectors such as automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. This strategic expansion ensures a consistent and competitive supply of high-purity HMD—an essential precursor for PA 6.6 production—amid increasing global competition and supply chain volatility. Engineering plastics

“This investment underlines BASF’s strong commitment to chemical production in Europe and our determination to support regional growth,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF. “It is yet another example of how we put our ‘Winning Ways’ strategy into action to create long-term value for our company and secure our future competitiveness in a volatile economic environment.”

?️ Freiburg Expansion: Reinforcing the European Polyamide Ecosystem

In parallel with the launch of the Chalampé facility, BASF is nearing completion of a major expansion at its polyamide 6.6 polymerization site in Freiburg, Germany. This dual-investment approach reflects the company’s ambition to become the most reliable and innovative PA 6.6 supplier in Europe, where demand for lightweight and heat-resistant materials continues to rise. Engineering plastics

According to Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers division: “The successful completion of this investment project is a significant step toward our goal of being the leading supplier for HMD and the preferred partner for PA 6.6 in Europe. Through the new HMD production plant in Chalampé and the expanded PA 6.6 polymerization in Freiburg, we are ideally positioned to supply our customers reliably with high-quality products.”

This integrated approach strengthens BASF’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions, from monomer synthesis to polymerization and product formulation, enabling greater value creation for its downstream clients in performance materials and engineering plastics.

? What Is HMD and Why Is It Critical?

Hexamethylenediamine (HMD) is a colorless, crystalline compound that plays a crucial role in the production of polyamide 6.6, a high-performance thermoplastic used in demanding applications. It is synthesized through hydrogenation of adiponitrile (ADN), a process that requires advanced technologies and stringent quality control.

PA 6.6 produced using HMD boasts outstanding mechanical strength, thermal resistance, chemical durability, and dimensional stability. These properties make it ideal for producing high-precision components in the automotive industry, such as engine covers, radiator end tanks, and air intake manifolds. Additionally, PA 6.6 is widely used in textile manufacturing for industrial fibers, as well as in consumer electronics, sports equipment, and other high-durability goods. Engineering plastics

? Strategic Location: Chalampé and the Alsace Advantage

The choice of Chalampé as the site for the new HMD plant is a strategic one. Located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, the plant benefits from direct access to essential raw materials—especially adiponitrile (ADN)—via BASF’s integrated value chain. This enhances supply chain reliability and minimizes logistics-related carbon emissions, aligning with BASF’s broader sustainability goals.

Moreover, the Chalampé site is home to a state-of-the-art research and development facility dedicated to innovation in PA 6.6 chemistry and application development. This combination of production and R&D in a single location fosters synergy between process engineering, product development, and customer service. Engineering plastics

? Innovation and Value Chain Integration

BASF’s new investment not only adds capacity but also integrates seamlessly into its vertically aligned value chain for polyamides. From adiponitrile and HMD to the final polyamide polymers, BASF controls the entire production process. This integration is vital for maintaining consistent quality standards, optimizing costs, and enhancing product performance across various grades.

With in-house R&D capabilities, BASF can tailor its materials to customer-specific requirements. For example, by modifying the polymer matrix or integrating performance-enhancing additives, BASF provides customized solutions for automotive OEMs, electronics manufacturers, and industrial fabricators. Engineering plastics

? Commitment to Sustainability and European Competitiveness

This latest move further demonstrates BASF’s commitment to building sustainable production infrastructure within Europe. By focusing on localized production, the company not only ensures a secure supply for its customers but also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint associated with long-distance transportation of chemical feedstocks.

The Chalampé investment is aligned with European Union industrial policies that encourage resilience in critical raw material supply chains and promote the development of advanced materials with lower life-cycle emissions. BASF’s initiative positions it as a frontrunner in both industrial performance and environmental stewardship within the specialty chemicals market. Engineering plastics

? Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Investment in Europe’s Chemical Backbone

BASF’s startup of the world-scale HMD plant in Chalampé and the expansion of PA 6.6 production in Freiburg are more than just capacity increases—they represent a forward-looking investment in Europe’s industrial capabilities. These projects ensure that BASF and its customers are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of global competition, supply chain dynamics, and the increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable materials.

By securing control over key intermediates like HMD and coupling it with polymer innovation and customer-oriented development, BASF is paving the way for a stronger, more resilient polyamide value chain in Europe.