BASF launches BorotecTM: Next innovative FCC catalyst using unique Boron-Based Technology platform

• Improves refiners' ability to increase profits with changing slates due to spot buying and variable quality crudes
• Offers flexibility to refiners processing moderately contaminated feedstocks

BASF today announced the commercial launch of Borotec, the newest evolution of its resid oil Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts portfolio. Borotec is the latest innovation using BASF's unique Boron-Based Technology (BBT) platform to provide mild- and moderate-resid feed FCC units more flexibility in crude selection, which results in increased yields of high-value products.

A successful commercial trial has verified the ability of Borotec to improve performance, leading to higher yields of valuable products and lower bottom-of-the-barrel yields compared to competitive technologies. The improved metals tolerance feature provided by Borotec allows improved crude flexibility for refiners that increasingly engage in spot buying to maximize profits. The catalyst was developed to offer refiners optimized operation and maximized margins.

'Globally, our Refining industry customers are facing an increasing number of FCC units that process contaminated feedstocks,' said Jim Chirumbole, Vice President Refining Catalysts at BASF. 'Borotec has shown excellent results using the unique chemistry of boron to provide improved performance. The product will help refineries worldwide to increase production of valuable hydrocarbons, and to be more successful.'

'We are excited to see this next new product development from our innovative technology platform,' said Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President Process Catalysts at BASF. 'Borotec underscores BASF's commitment to continued innovation with the expansion of our BBT product line for the moderate-resid sector.'

In 2016, BASF introduced Borocat to the market, the first FCC catalyst based on the BBT platform. Since then, Borocat has been successfully introduced in refineries all over the world. Borocat was designed for processing heavy resid feedstocks. Results have shown that refineries using Borocat can increase crude oil conversion while improving the sustainable utilization of a limited hydrocarbon resource.

About BASF's Catalysts Division
BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF's Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF's Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.