BASF today announced the launch of its SELECT™ (Sustainability, Eco-Labeling and Environmental Certification Tracking) Eco-Label Manager, a database created to strategically manage the abundance of eco-labels, environmental claims, directories and ratings systems by allowing the user to search, analyze and compare these programs in a structured and consistent format.

"The demand for environmentally preferable products is rapidly evolving and influencing purchasing decisions along entire supply chains," said Pat Meyer, Senior Product Steward and program leader at BASF. "These purchasing requirements have spawned hundreds of eco-labels and programs from the federal government, large retailers, trade associations and third-party organizations, leading to a lot of confusion."

As a result, many businesses are spending considerable time and resources trying to understand and manage these classifications. "The BASF SELECT Eco-Label Manager tool is designed to simplify and streamline these efforts," said Meyer.

Currently, the tool includes 100 programs for review, primarily associated with North America, but is continuing to add programs from all regions globally. Examples include Built Greenâ„¢ Canada, a residential construction checklist and energy rating system; USGBC LEED® programs, and the Green Guides, a set of guidelines established by the Federal Trade Commission to help manufacturers make clear and substantiated marketing claims.

Currently, the tool is available to all BASF employees and preferred BASF customers and stakeholders. If you would like to gain access to the SELECT™Eco-Label Manager or are interested in learning more about the database, visit www.selectecolabels.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $13 billion in 2009. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

SELECT™ Eco-Label Manager is a trademark of BASF Corporation

LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council

Built Green™ is a trademark of Built Green Canada

BASF Corporation

BASF Corporation

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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