Ionic liquids are molten salts composed of large organic cations and anions that remain liquid at low temperatures. They have a structure that can be tailored for specific applications, such as incorporating pigments, dyes, or additives into plastics or coatings. BASF has developed the first commercial process using ionic liquids under the name BASIL and offers a portfolio of ionic liquids called BASIONIC. Ionic liquids show potential as novel plasticizers to modify the mechanical properties of renewable biomaterials like starch and cellulose, as well as dispersants for nanoparticles in coatings and plastics.