Linde and BASF win ICIS Award for Best Process Innovation to reduce CO₂ emissions

ICIS (Independent Chemical Information Service) is the world's largest petrochemical market information provider and each year an expert jury selects the winners of the prestigious Innovation Awards. Linde and BASF were awarded in the Best Process Innovation category for the application of Linde's DRYREF^TM syngas process in combination with BASF's SYNSPIRE^TM catalyst which enables steam reforming of methane in dryer conditions and the use of CO₂ as feedstock. The new process facilitates energy savings and offers an improved CO₂ footprint.

"Finding the right balance between profitability, energy efficiency and cutting CO₂ emissions is a challenging task in process development", said ICIS Chemical Business Deputy Editor, Will Beacham, who chaired the award judging panel. "Linde and BASF have collaborated to push the boundaries of chemistry to propose a ground-breaking new catalyst and steam-reforming process with higher efficiency, lower energy demand and a lower CO₂ footprint. The judges were also impressed by the teamwork involved in a joint entry and were pleased to be able to give the award to a new process which could have a significant impact on the global chemical industry and CO₂ emissions."

"We are very proud to receive this award as it honors Linde's and BASF's strong commitment to provide more sustainable solutions to its customers", said Klaus Ohlig, Head of Research and Development of Linde Engineering. "With DRYREF^TM and SYNSPIRE^TM, we provide a solution to customers that is both environmentally and commercially attractive."

"This project is an excellent example of how our broad expertise in catalysis and process research combined with Linde's deep know-how in process technology can drive radical innovation", said Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President Process Catalysts at BASF SE. "The common achievement is the result of a long-term collaboration of both companies that required trust, openness, excellent technical skills, long-term vision and readiness to take some risks."

About Linde plc

Linde is a leading industrial gases and engineering company with 2018 pro forma sales of USD 28 billion (EUR 24 billion). The company employs approximately 80,000 people globally and serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Linde delivers innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers and creates long-term value for all stakeholders. The company is making our world more productive by providing products, technologies and services that help customers improve their economic and environmental performance in a connected world.

For more information about the company, please visit www.linde.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around EUR63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.