In a recently published report, BASF has shared the first results from its multi-year Global Carbon Field Trials. The results demonstrate that a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture of up to 30 percent is possible compared to standard farming approaches – a target to which the company committed in 2020 to help farmers reduce their GHG emissions per ton of crop produced. The emissions reduction requires tailored climate smart approaches and varies by specific crop and region.
The trials were conducted across various geographies and key crops (wheat, corn, canola/oilseed rape, rice and soy), with the results from 2021 to 2023 revealing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change. Instead, reducing GHG emissions requires a tailored combination of interventions, products, and technologies. The report highlights the success of approaches to lower GHG emissions, such as optimized fertilizer use with digital decision support systems and nitrogen stabilizers, and the use of high-performing seeds, while also considering crop yields.
“Climate change is already happening. Farming methods need to be adapted to meaningfully reduce emissions without compromising yield. This is a challenge, but we have the right solutions to support farmers and I am convinced that if you love agriculture, you must be committed to sustainability as we are,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The insights we gain from our field trials support our Global Carbon Farming Program, where our recommendations empower farmers to become pioneers for positive change in climate and nature.”
The trials also underscore the challenges farmers face to reduce emissions, particularly adverse weather conditions or emissions-reduction practices that negatively affect yield. This is why BASF will continue to field-test farming strategies through its Global Carbon Farming Trials together with partners to find practical climate-smart solutions supported by science and data for farmers around the globe.
The full report and more details are available here.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €900 million in 2023, we continue to invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2023, our division generated sales of €10.1 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
Shifting hues in global automotive colors: Embracing the rising popularity of warm niche colors
In 2024, the global automotive color landscape continued to evolve as consumers move away from traditional favorites like white and silver. This shift is paving the way for increased popularity of vibrant hues, warm neutrals, and a more diverse palette across the industry, as stated by BASF Coatings in the latest Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings. Specifically, while white remains the top choice among consumers, warm shades such as yellow and beige are increasingly appealing, and green has risen in popularity across all regions. Achromatic colors like black and gray are also gaining traction. EMEA: Beige gains popularity as achromatic colors continue steady growth Achromatic colors in the EMEA region have steadily increased from 72% in 2021 to almost 80% in 2024, underscoring the appeal of neutral tones.White remains the most favored color, closely followed by gray. Notably, beige is gaining popularity, nearly doubling its market share. “Beige and neutral colors evoke a sense of calm and sophistication, reflecting the desire for stability in a fast-paced world,” said Mark Gutjahr, global head of Automotive Color Design at BASF. “They allow consumers to express their individuality while ensuring a timeless elegance in automotive design.” Americas: Gray is proving to be one of the most versatile and captivating colors With its vast range of tones, from cool metallics to warm, earthy shades, gray offers depth and sophistication that can be surprisingly vibrant. This year’s color distribution reveals a striking shift toward gray tones, now capturing almost 20% of the total market share. Black has dropped by 2 percentage points compared to 2023, while white cars have seen an even more significant decline of 5 percentage points. “Gray is redefining automotive style, gaining popularity for its versatile sophistication as preferences shift away from traditional white and black,” said Victoria Fislage, Senior Design Manager at BASF Coatings. Asia Pacific: Black dominates, yellow blossoms Achromatic colors remain the top choice for 83% of consumers, with black gaining 2 percentage points in popularity, reinforcing its association with elegance. In contrast, white has seen a decline of over 2 points. Meanwhile, chromatic colors, particularly yellow, are on the rise, with softer tones like pastel and greige yellow leading the way. These shades resonate with themes of AI-human harmony and sustainability, especially in electric vehicle design. Those are reflecting a shift toward harmonious, optimistic color palettes. “Earthy and pastel yellows capture today’s values – functionality, sustainability, and coexistence with nature,” said Chiharu Matsuhara, head of Automotive Color Design for Asia Pacific.The Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings by BASF Coatings offers an in-depth exploration of color trends in the automotive industry, analyzing preferences on both global and regional levels. The color distribution referred to in the report was calculated by BASF Coatings on the basis of the available information regarding global automotive production and paint application to passenger cars.
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