Carol Wang Authors

Interview with Johnny Kwan, Chairman, BASF Greater China – II

October 21, 2012

 src=Chemical companies often run the risk of being associated with environmental degradation and pollution. BASF is conscious of such concerns and that’s why it has adopted a sophisticated strategy to ensure sustainable development. For BASF, sustainability is a concept that runs throughout the lifecycle of a product. The company views sustainable development not just as an operational imperative, but also looks at it as a source of future growth.

As Johnny Kwan, Chairman of BASF Greater China Country Board, says, “In 2004 we launched our Strategy 2015 where we categorically said that ensuring sustainable development is one of our strategic pillars.”

BASF has taken its commitment to sustainability a step further–instead of focusing on its own sustainability goals, the company is trying to work with everyone in the value chain. In 2006 BASF China launched the ‘1+3’ project, an initiative in which the company shares best practices and works closely with supply chain partners to ensure that everyone works towards the same sustainability goals.

In Part 2 of this interview with CKGSB Knowledge‘s Carol Wang, Kwan elaborates on how the company incorporates sustainable development in its strategic planning, and how R&D and innovation help combine business goals with sustainability goals.

Enjoying what you’re reading?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get more China insights delivered to your inbox.

Our Programs

Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI

In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education

Global Unicorn Program Series

This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.

LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States

Date29 Sep - 03 Oct, 2025

LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation

Learn more

Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley

In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.

LocationUC Berkeley

Date02 - 07 Nov, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition

Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.

LocationShanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen

Date17 - 21 Nov, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Smart Cities, Fintech, and Alternative Energy for the Global Future

In partnership with Columbia Engineering

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program is a transformative initiative designed to empower civil leaders and businesses in smart city development, fintech, alternative energy, and new energy sectors.

LocationDubai, UAE

Date15 - 19 Dec, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries

In partnership with The University of Sydney

Global Unicorn Program Series

The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.

LocationSydney, Australia

Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program

In partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Global Unicorn Program Series

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.

DateSummer 2026

Learn more