BASF plans expansion of Asia Pacific plasticizers business

15-Jan-08

BASF has planned the expansion of its Asia Pacific plasticizers business, to meet growing demand for solvents and plasticizers in Asia, particularly in China, where demand for plasticizers is expected to grow by 4-5% pa until 2015. BASF has outlined several key initiatives that include expansion of annual production capacity of its oxo-C4 plant in Nanjing, China, by 55,000 metric tons to 305,000 metric tons by Q4-08. This move will ensure reliable supplies of the precursor alcohols n-butanol and 2-ethylhexanol. BASF has also started the region’s first plasticizer applications laboratory in Shanghai. The new laboratory’s research and development efforts will focus on flexible PVC applications for innovative products such as BASF’s Hexamoll® DINCH, a non-phthalate plasticizer specially designed for sensitive applications for use in food contact and medical devices, and the recently introduced Palatinol® 10-P, a new C10 plasticizer with a superior performance in the area of automotive and wire and cable applications. A team of technical experts will provide specialized services ranging from trials, tests and on-site technical advice to formulation adjustments and joint development with customers. Plasticizers provide flexibility to normally rigid and brittle PVC, required in several consumer good application including flooring, cable insulation, toys and cling film.