BASF to augment low molecular weight, highly reactive polyisobutene production

19-Dec-08

BASF has planned to augment its production of low molecular weight, highly reactive polyisobutene (HR PIB) between now and 2010 by 25,000 mtpa. The polymer, marketed worldwide under the Glissopal® trademark, is an intermediate product which is used to manufacture additives for fuels and lubricants. The increase in capacity is taking place within the local integrated system, known as Verbund, at the Ludwigshafen site after it expanded capacity of its Glissopal® capacity at its Antwerp-based site in Belgium by 25,000 mtpa in March 2008. "In this way we are improving our efficiency and strengthening our global business in fuel additives and intermediates for lubricant additives. At the same time we are making a positive contribution to the company's carbon footprint by doing away with transports between different sites," says Hans W. Reiners, head of BASF's Performance Chemicals division. BASF produces polyisobutene in four plants at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium.