Company News

BASF expands chemical catalyst recycling capacity and capability

  • BASF acquires Zodiac Enterprises LLC assets in Caldwell, Texas
  • Acquisition will grow BASF’s circular economy business in catalyst recycling
  • Complements BASF’s precious metal recycling in Seneca, South Carolina

ISELIN, NJ, July 2, 2021 — BASF has expanded its chemical catalyst recycling capacity and capability with the acquisition of Zodiac Enterprises LLC in Caldwell, Texas. The site recycles precious metals from industrial scrap, primarily chemical catalysts, and will complement BASF’s existing precious metal recycling operations in Seneca, South Carolina. It will also provide increased smelting capacity in North America. Additional personnel will be hired to expand the site’s production capabilities.

“This investment allows us to meet the increased customer demand for recycling spent chemical and automotive catalysts,” said Tim Ingle, Vice President, BASF Precious Metals Refining, Chemicals & Battery Recycling. “We are proud to enable the circular economy since recycling metal emits as much as 90 percent less CO2 than refining primary metal from a mine.”

The additional smelting capacity at the Caldwell site will help utilize the recently announced refinery expansion in Seneca. Recycled catalysts go through smelting and are then refined to produce the high purity precious metal needed to make fresh catalysts.

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.catalysts.basf.com/pgm and to apply for an open position in South Carolina, visit www.basf.us/sc.

Media Contact

Paul Warkentin
Trade Media

About BASF ECMS

Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 16 countries with over 4,500 employees and 21 production sites.