News and Articles

• Silox acquired selected hydrosulfite related assets from BASF including intellectual property equipment and trademarks
• The deal strengthens Silox’s position in the global sodium hydrosulfite market
• Hydrosulfites are widely used in textile dyeing and pulp and paper bleaching processes
• BASF previously decided to discontinue hydrosulfite production at its Ludwigshafen site
• BASF will continue producing other inorganic chemicals including alcoholates sulfites and nitrogen salts

BASF and Silox have signed a definitive agreement under which Silox will acquire selected hydrosulfite related assets from BASF. The deal includes intellectual property rights, specialized containers, certain production equipment, technical know how, and associated trademarks linked to hydrosulfite products. The agreement forms part of BASF’s earlier decision to exit hydrosulfite production at its Ludwigshafen site as it continues to reshape parts of its portfolio.

The acquisition strengthens Silox’s presence in the global hydrosulfite market. The company has more than seventy years of experience in producing sodium hydrosulfite based reducing and bleaching agents and operates manufacturing facilities in Belgium, India, and Canada. Through the addition of BASF’s assets, Silox aims to expand its technical capabilities and reinforce its supply position for customers across key industrial markets.

Hydrosulfites play an important role in several manufacturing sectors. They are widely used in textile dyeing processes where they act as reducing agents that help achieve desired color results. The chemicals also serve as bleaching additives in pulp and paper production, helping improve brightness and quality in paper products.

Silox said the transaction supports its long term commitment to industries that depend on these chemicals. By integrating the acquired assets, the company intends to strengthen its ability to supply hydrosulfite products to customers in Europe and other international markets. The move is expected to enhance production expertise while supporting consistent product quality and reliable delivery.

The sale aligns with BASF’s previously announced plan to discontinue hydrosulfite production at Ludwigshafen. The decision followed an internal review of its product portfolio aimed at focusing resources on areas with stronger long term growth prospects. BASF announced the planned exit from hydrosulfite manufacturing in September 2025.

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Despite stepping away from hydrosulfite production, BASF will continue manufacturing a range of other inorganic chemicals at its Ludwigshafen site. These include alcoholates, sulfites, and nitrogen salts, which remain part of the company’s broader chemical supply portfolio.

The transaction reflects a shift in how chemical producers are refining their operations, with some companies concentrating on specialized product segments while others focus on core chemical manufacturing lines. For Silox, the addition of BASF’s hydrosulfite related assets represents an opportunity to deepen its technical base and strengthen its role in supplying key chemicals used in textile and paper manufacturing.