BASF and the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), building on a decade of successful joint research and development, are expanding their cooperation on emissions reduction. Under a new strategic agreement, the two organizations aim to help tackle deteriorating air quality resulting partially from vehicle exhaust emissions, particularly in Beijing and North China.

CRAES is the top national non-profit research institute for environmental protection, under China’s Ministry of Environment Protection (MEP). According to the agreement signed during a joint environmental protection seminar held today in Beijing, the extended partnership will focus on three areas. First, BASF and CRAES will investigate the testing assessment and monitoring of vehicle exhaust after-treatment devices for the Chinese market, leveraging experience from Europe and North America, in order to help develop relevant monitoring measures and technical policy in China. Additionally, the two partners will conduct research on emissions of vehicles while they are in use, as well as on advanced technologies for energy saving and environmental protection in China.

As long-term research partners, BASF and CRAES co-sponsored a gasoline engine testing lab in 2005 and a diesel engine testing lab in 2007. BASF supported the projects financially, as well as providing advanced technologies, together with research and development (R&D) expertise, during the set-up process of the labs. These were the first independent laboratories to operate according to international standards in assessing the quality of gasoline and diesel produced in China and have been helpful to deliver important references in setting national standards for diesel additives.

BASF is the world’s leading automotive supplier in the chemical industry. It supplies and develops functional materials and solutions that contribute to the vehicles of today and of the future. From engineering plastics, polyurethane and specialty foams, coatings and fuel additives to catalysts, battery materials, pigments, synthetic lubricants, coolants, brake fluids and chemicals for leather and textiles, BASF supplies a broad range of products for use in the automotive industry.