These are the largest chemical companies in Germany
The largest chemical companies in Germany
Rank 20: Paul Hartmann AG.
The company manufactures medical and care products. The most well-known since the beginning of the corona pandemic is Sterilium, the blue hand disinfectant. Paul Hartmann, based in Heidenheim, achieved a turnover of around 2.408 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 2.353 billion euros).Paul Hartmann AG
Rank 19: Biontech.
Another crash of a high-flyer. With its mRNA vaccine, Biontech achieved record sales during the corona pandemic (with Pfizer backing). In 2024, it only managed 2.751 billion euros (2023: 3.819 billion euros) in sales, dropping from 16th to 19th place among Germany's largest chemical companies.Biontech
Rank 18: Altana.
Altana, based in Wesel, was part of the Varta group until 1977. Then the chemical and pharmaceutical division was spun off. In 2006, the pharmaceutical division was also sold to the Danish company Nycomed. With 3.169 billion euros (2023: 2.742 billion euros), Altana ranks 18th in the ranking of the largest chemical companies in Germany, gaining one place.Altana
Rank 17: Fuchs SE.
Fuchs SE is active in the mineral oil and chemical sector. The company manufactures lubricants. In 2024, the turnover was 3.525 billion euros (2023: 3.541 billion euros), which is enough for 17th place in the ranking.Fuchs
Rank 16: K+S AG.
K+S used to be called Kali und Salz. The company, based in Kassel, had a turnover of 3.653 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 3.873 billion euros). As the name suggests, K+S produces potassium and magnesium-containing products for agriculture and industry. It is also the largest salt producer in the world. At times, the company was part of BASF.K+S AG
Rank 16: K+S AG.
K+S used to be called Kali und Salz. The company, based in Kassel, had a turnover of 3.653 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 3.873 billion euros). As the name suggests, K+S produces potassium and magnesium-containing products for agriculture and industry. It is also the largest salt producer in the world. At times, the company was part of BASF.K+S AG
Rank 15: Stada Arzneimittel AG. The German pharmaceutical group, based in Bald Vilbel, specialises in the production of generics and prescription drugs. In 2024, this resulted in 4.059 billion euros (2023: 3.735 billion euros), placing it 15th in the ranking of the largest German chemical companies - two places better than the previous year.Stada Arzneimittel AG
Rank 14: Messer SE & Co. KgaA.
The gas manufacturer from Bad Soden retains its 14th rank among the largest chemical companies in Germany with 4.481 billion euros (2023: 4.91 billion euros). The special feature: Messer is a family business. It produces industrial, medical, and specialty gases.Messer
Rank 13: Symrise AG.
Symrise is based in Rosenheim and produces fragrances, cosmetics, and flavours. In 2024, the turnover was 4.999 billion euros (2023: 4.73 billion euros).Symrise
Rank 12: Wacker Chemie AG. Wacker Chemie, based in Munich, is divided into four business areas: polysilicon (for the solar market), silicones (construction, automotive, paints/coatings, and paper), polymers (construction), and biosolutions (biotechnologically produced products). The turnover was 5.722 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 6.402 billion euros).Wacker Chemie
Rank 11: Lanxess AG.
The joint-stock company, based in Cologne, was only founded in 2004 by spinning off Bayer's chemical division. The focus is on the production of additives, specialty chemicals, and plastics. With 6.366 billion euros (2023: 6.714 billion euros), Lanxess is the eleventh largest chemical company in Germany.Lanxess
Rank 9: Beiersdorf AG.
Beiersdorf is known for its care products. Brands include Nivea, Labello, and Tesa. In 2024, the turnover was 9.85 billion euros (2023: 9.447 billion euros).Beiersdorf
Rank 8: Covestro AG.
Covestro is a materials manufacturer. Until 2015, the company was Bayer's plastics division. With 14.179 billion euros (2023: 14.377 billion euros), the Leverkusen-based company holds its eighth place. Covestro is known, for example, for the World Cup and European Championship footballs. CDs are made from the polycarbonate Makrolon, and driving licences and identity cards are coated with the manufacturer's special film Makrofol.Covestro
Rank 7: Evonik Industries AG. Evonik was the chemical and energy division of Ruhrkohle until 2006. Today, the company specialises in specialty chemicals and high-performance materials. A turnover of 15.157 billion euros (2023: 15.267 billion euros) is enough for seventh place in the ranking of the largest chemical giants in Germany.Evonik
Rank 6: Merck KGaA. The Darmstadt-based company is divided into the business areas: pharmaceuticals, laboratory chemicals, and specialty chemicals with semiconductors. A turnover of 21.156 billion euros (2023: 20.993 billion euros) ensures a stable sixth place among the largest German chemical companies.Merck KGaA
Rank 5: Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Fresenius achieved a turnover of 21.526 billion euros (2023: 22.299 billion euros) in 2024 with pharmaceutical products and healthcare services. The Homburg-based company lands in fifth place in the ranking of the largest chemical companies in Germany, losing one place.Fresenius
Rank 4: Henkel AG & Co KGaA.
Henkel moves up one place. The company is best known for detergents, beauty care, and adhesives. The group achieved a turnover of 21.568 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 21.514 billion euros).Henkel
Rank 3: C.H. Boehringer Sohn.
Boehringer develops and sells medicines for humans and animals. This brought the company, based in Ingelheim, a turnover of 26.796 billion euros in 2024 (2023: 25.611 billion euros). This means a stable third place in the ranking of the largest German chemical companies.Eugene - stock.adobe.com
Rank 2: Bayer AG. The number two German chemical company is Bayer AG from Leverkusen. With a turnover of 46.606 billion euros (2023: 47.637 billion euros), the company is a long way behind number one. Bayer consists of three divisions: pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and agriculture (including the subsidiary Monsanto). Bayer employs 92,815 people worldwide.Bayer
Rank 1: BASF SE.
The Ludwigshafen-based group once again tops the list of the largest German chemical companies with a turnover of 65.26 billion euros (2023: 68.902 billion euros). BASF has developed, for example, the insulation materials Styropor and Styrodur, as well as sunscreens, synthetic rubber, sealing materials, and plasticisers. Classics include BASF cassettes before the rise of the CD. Nearly 112,000 employees work for BASF worldwide.Bayer