In recognition of BASF‘s 150th anniversary, the Freeport site donated more than 2,000 pounds of food to area food pantries — enough to feed 150 families for a day. The donation demonstrates BASF’s tradition of community support, and also highlights the innovative products made at the Freeport site that help feed the world, from packaging that keeps food fresh to fertilizer used to grow crops.

“BASF products play an important role in everyday life for people around the world and for families right here in our community,” said Chris Witte, senior vice president of BASF Corporation and general manager of the Freeport site. “Community involvement is a year-round commitment for BASF. Our 150th anniversary gives us an additional opportunity to work with our nonprofit partners and provide food — the most basic of necessities — to local families in need.”

BASF manufactures products for a variety of food-related applications, including polycaprolactam, which is made at the Freeport site. “PolyC,” or Nylon 6, is a strong, heat-resistant, non-oxygen-permeable plastic used in food packaging. A byproduct of the polycaprolactam manufacturing process is ammonium sulfate, a key ingredient used in fertilizers for fruits and vegetables as well as grains and grasses for animal consumption.

In addition to donating food items, BASF donated approximately 150 pounds of fertilizer to two of the pantries after learning that they also grow their own produce and have an orchard.

“We are honored that BASF chose to fight hunger in southern Brazoria County to help commemorate their 150th anniversary,” said Christy Frey, executive director of Brazosport Cares. “Even with the local economy improving, many families and seniors don’t have enough income to meet their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. BASF’s generous donation of breakfast foods, meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and bread allows us to provide more than 1,700 meals to local families. We are grateful for BASF’s partnership and their commitment to fight hunger and support our neighbors.”

BASF’s official anniversary event took place April 23 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. In addition to employee celebrations and a historical retrospective, BASF has a co-creation program called Creator Space that focuses on the topics of food, energy and urban living. To learn more, visit  https://creator-space.basf.com/?utm_source=COA&utm_medium=ContentMarketing&utm_campaign=COA.