Day three: BASF at Ludwigshafen

Waking up way too early, we started our day at half past 6. We had a quick breakfast at 7 a.m.  and even though it was really early, everybody was  on time waiting outside for the bus. But unfortunately the bus  got stuck in the traffic while waiting to pass a railway crossing. Nevertheless we made it on time and even found the right Tor (gate) out of 15, which were spread over 10 km2, to reach the visitor centre of BASF.  We received our visitor badges and could enter the site!

We got our first look at the site of BASF while walking to the meeting building. On the site there were 15.000 bikes to transport all 20.000 employees to the places where they have to work. There even was a barber shop and a supermarket, but of course the biggest part of the buildings were production sites. 

First we got an introduction about BASF and the kind of products they make. They deliver their products to many large companies in the world, like L’Oreal and Haribo. And did you know that foundation contains the same chemicals as car coatings? Then it was time for the BASF team to present their case study. Marius, Kexin and Lanxiang did a great job and had a nice discussion with the employees at the company who are working on carbohydrate acting enzymes.

After the presentation we were brought to one of the canteens for a good lunch. We continued with a bus tour around the site: we had a view at many production plants, where all kinds of chemicals were produced. We saw the plant where BASF produces menthol: they are the only company who produce and supply this compound in Europe. So, think about BASF when you’re brushing your teeth and chewing on your gum! Our tour also included a visit to the only biochemical plant of BASF in Ludwigshafen: we were showed around and got a very exclusive look at all stages of the production process. We ended with a general discussion and of course a group picture.

Our next hostel was in Frankfurt, only a one hour drive. Nonetheless, it was enough time for most people to fall asleep. Now we’re at the Frankfurt Hostel, which is located next to the railway station in the middle of Frankfurt. We enjoyed a pasta meal at the hostel and we will continue to Bad Homburg tomorrow to visit TSE. But first, now there’s time to explore the nightlife of Frankfurt!