http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/News from the BASF plastics divisionen-enCopyright © BASF SEhttp://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-439Ludwigshafen, Germany and Midland, Michigan: November 5, 2009 – The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and BASF announced today that they have received the Institution of Chemical Engineers’ Innovation and Excellence Award in Core Engineering for their jointly developed Hydrogen Peroxide to Propylene Oxide (HPPO) production technology.2009-11-05T13:59:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany and Midland, Michigan: November 5, 2009 – The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and BASF announced today that they have received the Institution of Chemical Engineers’ Innovation and Excellence Award in Core Engineering for their jointly developed Hydrogen Peroxide to Propylene Oxide (HPPO) production technology.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-438BASF will present its extensive polyurea portfolio at the annual conference of the Polyurea Development Association Europe (PDA Europe), the European trade association of the polyurea industry. From November 16 through 18, the industry event in Brühl near Cologne, Germany, will provide established polyurea technology users as well as novices with information about products, applications and new developments.2009-11-04T08:57:00.000+0100Plastics

BASF will present its extensive polyurea portfolio at the annual conference of the Polyurea Development Association Europe (PDA Europe), the European trade association of the polyurea industry. From November 16 through 18, the industry event in Brühl near Cologne, Germany, will provide established polyurea technology users as well as novices with information about products, applications and new developments.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-435BASF now offers a new and patented version of the foam Neopolen® P (EPP: expanded polypropylene) for devices used in heating, ventilation and sanitary systems. The metallic-gray Neopolen P 9335 mg is noted for its thermal insulation which is 10 percent better than standard EPP. Thanks to the versatile properties of the new product, foamed Neopolen P molded parts are able to perform several functions at the same time.2009-11-03T13:58:00.000+0100Plastics

BASF now offers a new and patented version of the foam Neopolen® P (EPP: expanded polypropylene) for devices used in heating, ventilation and sanitary systems. The metallic-gray Neopolen P 9335 mg is noted for its thermal insulation which is 10 percent better than standard EPP. Thanks to the versatile properties of the new product, foamed Neopolen P molded parts are able to perform several functions at the same time.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-431For its new model GBH 36 V-LI Compact Professional especially lightweight and almost vibration-free cordless hammer drill, Bosch selected the resin Ultramid® B3EG7, a particularly rigid and impact-resistant glass fiber-reinforced grade of polyamide 6 from BASF, that meets the demanding requirements for durability. The hammer drill weighs only 2.9 kg and, at 12 m/s2, has a low vibration value to minimize fatigue when working.2009-10-30T08:00:00.000+0100Plastics

For its new model GBH 36 V-LI Compact Professional especially lightweight and almost vibration-free cordless hammer drill, Bosch selected the resin Ultramid® B3EG7, a particularly rigid and impact-resistant glass fiber-reinforced grade of polyamide 6 from BASF, that meets the demanding requirements for durability. The hammer drill weighs only 2.9 kg and, at 12 m/s2, has a low vibration value to minimize fatigue when working.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-423Ludwigshafen, Germany – October 29, 2009 – BASF’s figures for the third quarter of 2009 demonstrate the company’s operational strength in the global economic crisis. Third-quarter sales increased by 2% compared with the second quarter but fell 19% compared with the same period of 2008.2009-10-29T07:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – October 29, 2009 – BASF’s figures for the third quarter of 2009 demonstrate the company’s operational strength in the global economic crisis. Third-quarter sales increased by 2% compared with the second quarter but fell 19% compared with the same period of 2008.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-429Ludwigshafen, Germany – October 28, 2009 – The Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE has announced the following changes in the company’s leadership team:2009-10-28T14:34:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – October 28, 2009 – The Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE has announced the following changes in the company’s leadership team:

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-415BASF has expanded its application lab for epoxy resin systems at the Ludwigshafen site in which the company develops new systems and adapts their processing parameters to the specific processes of its customers. BASF markets the systems – which are used in particular for the production of high-performance wind turbine rotor blades made from fiber-reinforced composites – under the brand name Baxxodur®.2009-10-15T12:59:00.000+0100Plastics

BASF has expanded its application lab for epoxy resin systems at the Ludwigshafen site in which the company develops new systems and adapts their processing parameters to the specific processes of its customers. BASF markets the systems – which are used in particular for the production of high-performance wind turbine rotor blades made from fiber-reinforced composites – under the brand name Baxxodur®.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-401The performance front seats of the new Opel Insignia OPC were developed by Opel and Recaro with BASF’s assistance. These seats are made of two special polyamides from the Ultramid® family and of the specialty foam Neopolen®. The seat pan, backrest shell and crossbar were designed using the ULTRASIM™ simulation package, replacing now the steel frames that used to be employed. The seats will be exhibited together with the Opel Insignia OPC at the Fakuma trade fair.2009-10-13T10:00:00.000+0100Plastics

The performance front seats of the new Opel Insignia OPC were developed by Opel and Recaro with BASF’s assistance. These seats are made of two special polyamides from the Ultramid® family and of the specialty foam Neopolen®. The seat pan, backrest shell and crossbar were designed using the ULTRASIM™ simulation package, replacing now the steel frames that used to be employed. The seats will be exhibited together with the Opel Insignia OPC at the Fakuma trade fair.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-399One of the automobile components honored with an SPE Automotive Division Award 2009 (Europe) was a novel crash-active engine cover with an integrated air filter for BMW for which BASF supplied the Ultramid® (polyamide) resin, but also assisted through provision of complex development methods. Moreover, a torque rod support, an intake filter housing of Ultradur® and the VW Touareg rear bench seat made of Neopolen® (EPP) were prize-winners.2009-10-06T09:59:00.000+0100Plastics

One of the automobile components honored with an SPE Automotive Division Award 2009 (Europe) was a novel crash-active engine cover with an integrated air filter for BMW for which BASF supplied the Ultramid® (polyamide) resin, but also assisted through provision of complex development methods. Moreover, a torque rod support, an intake filter housing of Ultradur® and the VW Touareg rear bench seat made of Neopolen® (EPP) were prize-winners.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-396The international heating systems manufacturer Viessmann, Germany, now uses Basotect® to insulate its solar collectors. The light, flame-retardant melamine resin foam produced by BASF is fitted to the side walls and the rear of flat-plate collectors. Basotect shows good insulation properties over a long period, even when exposed to high temperatures. It positively influences the air exchange in the collector at different climatic conditions.2009-10-02T09:59:00.000+0100Plastics

The international heating systems manufacturer Viessmann, Germany, now uses Basotect® to insulate its solar collectors. The light, flame-retardant melamine resin foam produced by BASF is fitted to the side walls and the rear of flat-plate collectors. Basotect shows good insulation properties over a long period, even when exposed to high temperatures. It positively influences the air exchange in the collector at different climatic conditions.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-393ContiTech Vibration Control, manufacturer of engine mounts, and BASF have jointly developed an innovative stabilizer for the new Porsche Panamera. The part is made of a high-strength polyamide from the Ultramid® CR family, it reliably withstands engine torques up to 650 Nm and weighs 35% less than a metal component with comparable functionality. By employing BASF’s ULTRASIM™ simulation package, it was possible to design the part directly on the computer.2009-09-28T14:10:00.000+0100Plastics

ContiTech Vibration Control, manufacturer of engine mounts, and BASF have jointly developed an innovative stabilizer for the new Porsche Panamera. The part is made of a high-strength polyamide from the Ultramid® CR family, it reliably withstands engine torques up to 650 Nm and weighs 35% less than a metal component with comparable functionality. By employing BASF’s ULTRASIM™ simulation package, it was possible to design the part directly on the computer.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-389The new automatic lawnmower Automower® 260 ACX from the Swedish lawn and garden equipment manufacturer Husqvarna is able to handle 6,000 square meters and has been developed specifically for large lawns. To protect the expensive electronics from the effects of wind and weather, Husqvarna selected Luran® S, the ASA (acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer) from BASF, for the approximately 80-cm-long housing.2009-09-22T13:00:00.000+0100Plastics

The new automatic lawnmower Automower® 260 ACX from the Swedish lawn and garden equipment manufacturer Husqvarna is able to handle 6,000 square meters and has been developed specifically for large lawns. To protect the expensive electronics from the effects of wind and weather, Husqvarna selected Luran® S, the ASA (acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer) from BASF, for the approximately 80-cm-long housing.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-345Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 15, 2009 – BASF is progressing with steps to restructure its styrenics business and has made another divestiture in its styrene value chain. BASF has signed an agreement to sell its Brazilian polystyrene business, including a production plant, to the petrochemical company Companhia Brasileira de Estireno (CBE), a Unigel subsidiary. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or further financial details.2009-09-15T15:59:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 15, 2009 – BASF is progressing with steps to restructure its styrenics business and has made another divestiture in its styrene value chain. BASF has signed an agreement to sell its Brazilian polystyrene business, including a production plant, to the petrochemical company Companhia Brasileira de Estireno (CBE), a Unigel subsidiary. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or further financial details.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-374For durable, hard-wearing and safe sports mats, BASF offers Neopolen® E, an expanded polyethylene (EPE). The lightweight foam can be used as core material for gym mats because it keeps its resilience and has an optimal energy absorption behavior even after heavy use. Lightweight gym mats are primarily used for floor exercises in school sports.2009-09-10T14:01:00.000+0100Plastics

For durable, hard-wearing and safe sports mats, BASF offers Neopolen® E, an expanded polyethylene (EPE). The lightweight foam can be used as core material for gym mats because it keeps its resilience and has an optimal energy absorption behavior even after heavy use. Lightweight gym mats are primarily used for floor exercises in school sports.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-372Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 08, 2009 – BASF is restructuring production of polyamide 6 in Europe. In the future, production will be bundled at BASF’s two Vebund sites in Antwerp, Belgium, and Ludwigshafen, Germany. The production of polyamide 6 at a third European production site in Rudolstadt in the German state of Thuringia will be discontinued at the end of 2010.2009-09-08T14:14:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 08, 2009 – BASF is restructuring production of polyamide 6 in Europe. In the future, production will be bundled at BASF’s two Vebund sites in Antwerp, Belgium, and Ludwigshafen, Germany. The production of polyamide 6 at a third European production site in Rudolstadt in the German state of Thuringia will be discontinued at the end of 2010.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-360Seven works by students at the Royal College of Art in London will be exhibited by BASF at its booth 4308 in hall B4 at the FAKUMA trade fair that will be held from October 13 – 17, 2009 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Design is one focal point of this year’s BASF appearance and what young designers are able to create using the plastic Ultradur® (PBT). In addition, a new blend of ASA and polyamide (Terblend® N BX 13043) will be introduced.2009-08-28T14:53:00.000+0100Plastics

Seven works by students at the Royal College of Art in London will be exhibited by BASF at its booth 4308 in hall B4 at the FAKUMA trade fair that will be held from October 13 – 17, 2009 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Design is one focal point of this year’s BASF appearance and what young designers are able to create using the plastic Ultradur® (PBT). In addition, a new blend of ASA and polyamide (Terblend® N BX 13043) will be introduced.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-340Ludwigshafen, Germany/Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – August 19, 2009 – Masdar and BASF today announced a strategic partnership agreement for collaboration on the construction of Masdar City, the world’s first carbon-neutral and zero-waste city. BASF is named as a “preferred supplier” of construction materials and system solutions for the city’s construction.2009-08-19T11:08:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany/Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – August 19, 2009 – Masdar and BASF today announced a strategic partnership agreement for collaboration on the construction of Masdar City, the world’s first carbon-neutral and zero-waste city. BASF is named as a “preferred supplier” of construction materials and system solutions for the city’s construction.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-336The Hans Walter Wild Stadium belonging to the German regional soccer team Spielvereinigung Bayreuth has the first soccer pitch in Germany to feature artificial turf from the Swiss company XL Turf. Laid beneath the green turf fibers are several hundred slabs which are made from Neopolen® P, the expanded polypropylene (EPP) from BASF.2009-08-06T13:57:00.000+0100Plastics

The Hans Walter Wild Stadium belonging to the German regional soccer team Spielvereinigung Bayreuth has the first soccer pitch in Germany to feature artificial turf from the Swiss company XL Turf. Laid beneath the green turf fibers are several hundred slabs which are made from Neopolen® P, the expanded polypropylene (EPP) from BASF.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-333Ulsan, Korea – August 3, 2009 – BASF has announced that it will sell its styrene monomer site in Ulsan, Korea, to SK Energy, a South Korean refining company. The contract comprises the plant with a capacity of 320,000 metric tons of styrene monomer per year and the 50,000 square meter site, which is situated within SK’s production complex. The two companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.2009-08-03T08:58:00.000+0100Plastics

Ulsan, Korea – August 3, 2009 – BASF has announced that it will sell its styrene monomer site in Ulsan, Korea, to SK Energy, a South Korean refining company. The contract comprises the plant with a capacity of 320,000 metric tons of styrene monomer per year and the 50,000 square meter site, which is situated within SK’s production complex. The two companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-319Ludwigshafen, Germany – July 30, 2009 – BASF’s sales and earnings were again negatively impacted by the ongoing global economic crisis in the second quarter of 2009. The effects on business were especially pronounced in the segments Chemicals, Plastics and Functional Solutions, in particular because of the situation in the automotive and construction industries.2009-07-30T06:59:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – July 30, 2009 – BASF’s sales and earnings were again negatively impacted by the ongoing global economic crisis in the second quarter of 2009. The effects on business were especially pronounced in the segments Chemicals, Plastics and Functional Solutions, in particular because of the situation in the automotive and construction industries.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-328Recently, the new Terblend® N NG-02 EF found one of its first high-volume applications at Same Deutz-Fahr Group, the Italian manufacturer of agricultural tractors. The latest glass fiber-reinforced member of the ABS/PA line from BASF has been optimized to provide especially good flowability and compared to the conventional glass fiber-reinforced product offers almost twice the impact strength. The panels for the interior of the tractors from Same Deutz-Fahr Group present challenging requirements.2009-07-28T13:40:00.000+0100Plastics

Recently, the new Terblend® N NG-02 EF found one of its first high-volume applications at Same Deutz-Fahr Group, the Italian manufacturer of agricultural tractors. The latest glass fiber-reinforced member of the ABS/PA line from BASF has been optimized to provide especially good flowability and compared to the conventional glass fiber-reinforced product offers almost twice the impact strength. The panels for the interior of the tractors from Same Deutz-Fahr Group present challenging requirements.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-307Since June 1, 2009, BASF is offering three new products in Europe in its line of styrenic specialties approved specifically for food contact applications. These are the ASA grades Luran® S 777 K FC, Luran S 757 G FC and Luran S 797 S FC (ASA: acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester copolymer). The reason for introducing the new products can be found in the GMP regulations established by the EU for materials that come into contact with food.2009-07-14T10:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Since June 1, 2009, BASF is offering three new products in Europe in its line of styrenic specialties approved specifically for food contact applications. These are the ASA grades Luran® S 777 K FC, Luran S 757 G FC and Luran S 797 S FC (ASA: acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester copolymer). The reason for introducing the new products can be found in the GMP regulations established by the EU for materials that come into contact with food.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-305For its new portable Lifestraw® Family water purification system, Vestergaard Frandsen uses Ultrason® E 6020 P resin, a polyethersulfone (PESU) from BASF. The Swiss company manufactures products to protect against illnesses, primarily in developing countries. The easy-to-use plastic design that characterizes the LifeStraw® Family simplifies on-site conversion of large quantities of dirty water into potable water in villages and by families.2009-07-08T09:56:00.000+0100Plastics

For its new portable Lifestraw® Family water purification system, Vestergaard Frandsen uses Ultrason® E 6020 P resin, a polyethersulfone (PESU) from BASF. The Swiss company manufactures products to protect against illnesses, primarily in developing countries. The easy-to-use plastic design that characterizes the LifeStraw® Family simplifies on-site conversion of large quantities of dirty water into potable water in villages and by families.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-303Ludwigshafen, Germany – July 6, 2009 – BASF has finalized its plans for the integration of Ciba Holding AG, which it acquired in April 2009. Under the plans, former Ciba businesses are to be integrated into the operating divisions in BASF’s Performance Products segment where their potential can best be realized and developed. The integration will involve extensive restructuring measures that BASF expects to generate synergies of at least €400 million per year from 2012 onward.2009-07-06T13:33:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – July 6, 2009 – BASF has finalized its plans for the integration of Ciba Holding AG, which it acquired in April 2009. Under the plans, former Ciba businesses are to be integrated into the operating divisions in BASF’s Performance Products segment where their potential can best be realized and developed. The integration will involve extensive restructuring measures that BASF expects to generate synergies of at least €400 million per year from 2012 onward.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-295The Kettler company is cladding its new cross trainer Satura P 7653 with Terluran® GP-35, a standard ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer) from BASF’s product range of plastics, which Kettler itself then colors in light grey and black. This Terluran type is manufactured at the ABS plant in Antwerp, Belgium, which will be celebrating the production of its one millionth ton in July of 2009.2009-07-01T10:00:00.000+0100Plastics

The Kettler company is cladding its new cross trainer Satura P 7653 with Terluran® GP-35, a standard ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer) from BASF’s product range of plastics, which Kettler itself then colors in light grey and black. This Terluran type is manufactured at the ABS plant in Antwerp, Belgium, which will be celebrating the production of its one millionth ton in July of 2009.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-283Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 25, 2009 – As of June 30, 2009, BASF will close one polystyrene plant at the Ludwigshafen site. This will reduce BASF’s annual production capacity for the standard plastic polystyrene in Europe by 80,000 to 540,000 metric tons. The main reason for the shutdown is the decrease in demand for Polystyrene. Personnel working at this plant will get other positions within the company.2009-06-25T10:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 25, 2009 – As of June 30, 2009, BASF will close one polystyrene plant at the Ludwigshafen site. This will reduce BASF’s annual production capacity for the standard plastic polystyrene in Europe by 80,000 to 540,000 metric tons. The main reason for the shutdown is the decrease in demand for Polystyrene. Personnel working at this plant will get other positions within the company.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-278BASF will shut down the Styropor® plant (EPS, expandable polystyrene) at its site in Tarragona, Spain. The closure is scheduled for August 2009. As a direct consequence of the plant closure and due to the current downturn in BASF's key markets in Spain, the company will also adjust its structure of production services in Tarragona.2009-06-12T09:30:00.000+0100Plastics

BASF will shut down the Styropor® plant (EPS, expandable polystyrene) at its site in Tarragona, Spain. The closure is scheduled for August 2009. As a direct consequence of the plant closure and due to the current downturn in BASF's key markets in Spain, the company will also adjust its structure of production services in Tarragona.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-267Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 5, 2009 – Effective July 1, 2009, BASF’s Paper Chemicals operating division, which was established in April, will be headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, together with two associated business units: Coatings & Starch Europe and Wet End Chemicals. In addition, the European business unit for plastic additives and the global units for technology management and the restructuring of the pigment business will be located at the former headquarters of Ciba Holding AG in Basel.2009-06-05T14:08:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 5, 2009 – Effective July 1, 2009, BASF’s Paper Chemicals operating division, which was established in April, will be headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, together with two associated business units: Coatings & Starch Europe and Wet End Chemicals. In addition, the European business unit for plastic additives and the global units for technology management and the restructuring of the pigment business will be located at the former headquarters of Ciba Holding AG in Basel.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-242At the newly built Barceló Raval design hotel in Barcelona, Spain, sound absorbers made from Basotect® are improving the room acoustics. The lobby of the ten-story, four-star hotel has around 2200 ceiling baffles which are made from BASF's flexible melamine resin foam and ensure optimum speech intelligibility. The low weight of Basotect and the possibility to easily manufacture different shapes gave the interior designer great freedom of design when it came to decorating the lobby.2009-05-19T14:08:00.000+0100Plastics

At the newly built Barceló Raval design hotel in Barcelona, Spain, sound absorbers made from Basotect® are improving the room acoustics. The lobby of the ten-story, four-star hotel has around 2200 ceiling baffles which are made from BASF's flexible melamine resin foam and ensure optimum speech intelligibility. The low weight of Basotect and the possibility to easily manufacture different shapes gave the interior designer great freedom of design when it came to decorating the lobby.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-227In the new Opel Insignia, the plastic Terblend® N NG 02 is being used for a ski-hatch opening for the first time. In spite of its glass fiber content, this ABS/PA blend made by BASF can be used for visible parts without having to be coated. Compared to other vehicle interior materials, this saves time and cuts costs. The important properties of this styrenic specialty are good flowability, high acoustic damping and the good balance between stiffness, dimensional stability and toughness.2009-05-04T09:57:00.000+0100Plastics

In the new Opel Insignia, the plastic Terblend® N NG 02 is being used for a ski-hatch opening for the first time. In spite of its glass fiber content, this ABS/PA blend made by BASF can be used for visible parts without having to be coated. Compared to other vehicle interior materials, this saves time and cuts costs. The important properties of this styrenic specialty are good flowability, high acoustic damping and the good balance between stiffness, dimensional stability and toughness.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-226With immediate effect or as contracts allow, BASF is increasing the sales prices for PolyTHF (Polytetrahydrofuran) worldwide.2009-04-30T13:00:00.000+0100Plastics

With immediate effect or as contracts allow, BASF is increasing the sales prices for PolyTHF (Polytetrahydrofuran) worldwide.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-214Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 30, 2009 – In an extremely difficult environment, BASF’s business declined in the first quarter of 2009. At €12.2 billion, sales were 23% lower than in the first quarter of 2008, primarily due to persistently weak demand. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items fell by 58% to €985 million as a result of a substantial decrease in volumes in many divisions.2009-04-30T07:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 30, 2009 – In an extremely difficult environment, BASF’s business declined in the first quarter of 2009. At €12.2 billion, sales were 23% lower than in the first quarter of 2008, primarily due to persistently weak demand. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items fell by 58% to €985 million as a result of a substantial decrease in volumes in many divisions.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-210The latest object created by designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in co¬operation with Vitra, the Swiss furniture manufacturer, is called Vegetal and is an organically conceived chair for indoor and outdoor use. It is made entirely of BASF’s plastic Miramid® by means of the so-called GIT process, a special injection molding technique. Vitra will now showcase it to the public at large upon the occasion of “Salone Internazionale del Mobile”, the furniture fair in Milan, Italy, from April 22 to 27, 2002009-04-17T11:15:00.000+0100Plastics

The latest object created by designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in co¬operation with Vitra, the Swiss furniture manufacturer, is called Vegetal and is an organically conceived chair for indoor and outdoor use. It is made entirely of BASF’s plastic Miramid® by means of the so-called GIT process, a special injection molding technique. Vitra will now showcase it to the public at large upon the occasion of “Salone Internazionale del Mobile”, the furniture fair in Milan, Italy, from April 22 to 27, 200

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-208Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 16, 2009 – A few days after the closing of the Ciba acquisition, BASF is welcoming its new employees worldwide. Welcome events are taking place from today onward at several large Ciba sites in Europe, Asia and North and South America. Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of BASF’s Board of Directors, and BASF Board members Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel und Dr. John Feldmann met personally with employees at the former Ciba headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.2009-04-16T11:58:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 16, 2009 – A few days after the closing of the Ciba acquisition, BASF is welcoming its new employees worldwide. Welcome events are taking place from today onward at several large Ciba sites in Europe, Asia and North and South America. Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of BASF’s Board of Directors, and BASF Board members Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel und Dr. John Feldmann met personally with employees at the former Ciba headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-CibaBasel, Switzerland – April 15, 2009 – The Board of Directors of Ciba, now part of BASF, has appointed Michael Heinz (45) from BASF as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ciba. In addition to his role as CEO, Heinz will continue with his responsibilities for the integration of Ciba into BASF.2009-04-15T09:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Basel, Switzerland – April 15, 2009 – The Board of Directors of Ciba, now part of BASF, has appointed Michael Heinz (45) from BASF as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ciba. In addition to his role as CEO, Heinz will continue with his responsibilities for the integration of Ciba into BASF.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-206Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 9, 2009 – BASF has successfully completed its acquisition of Ciba Holding AG, which closed today with the payment of the offer price to Ciba shareholders. At the same time, the tendered shares were transferred to BASF. The company now holds 95.8 percent of Ciba. Ciba shares that were not been tendered as part of the public offer can be traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange until further notice.2009-04-09T17:31:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – April 9, 2009 – BASF has successfully completed its acquisition of Ciba Holding AG, which closed today with the payment of the offer price to Ciba shareholders. At the same time, the tendered shares were transferred to BASF. The company now holds 95.8 percent of Ciba. Ciba shares that were not been tendered as part of the public offer can be traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange until further notice.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-201Ludwigshafen, Germany - April 2, 2009 - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Chinese merger control authority MOFCOM approved the acquisition of Ciba Holding AG by BASF on April 2, 2009. No conditions were imposed beyond those required by the European Commission in its decision of March 12, 2009.2009-04-02T21:00:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany - April 2, 2009 - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Chinese merger control authority MOFCOM approved the acquisition of Ciba Holding AG by BASF on April 2, 2009. No conditions were imposed beyond those required by the European Commission in its decision of March 12, 2009.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-191Brussels, Belgium – April 1, 2009 – Kenneth T. Lane will assume responsibility for the Global Strategic Marketing Unit of BASF’s Polyurethanes division as Group Vice President, effective April 1. He succeeds Ralph Schweens, who has led the unit since 2005 and who will now become Managing Director of BASF in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.2009-04-01T09:57:00.000+0100Plastics

Brussels, Belgium – April 1, 2009 – Kenneth T. Lane will assume responsibility for the Global Strategic Marketing Unit of BASF’s Polyurethanes division as Group Vice President, effective April 1. He succeeds Ralph Schweens, who has led the unit since 2005 and who will now become Managing Director of BASF in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-192March 31, 2009 -- BASF is supplying Tata Motors with products and engineering solutions for its new Nano automobile that reduce emissions, enhance fuel efficiency and improve the car’s overall aesthetic look.2009-03-31T13:18:00.000+0100Plastics

March 31, 2009 -- BASF is supplying Tata Motors with products and engineering solutions for its new Nano automobile that reduce emissions, enhance fuel efficiency and improve the car’s overall aesthetic look.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-177Dual-clutch transmissions are among the most innovative automatic transmissions. The same applies to their control units, which have been systematically improved by Continental over the last five years. Now the next generation of this complex family of components is being serially employed by VW, Audi, Ford and BMW. The plastic parts of the integrated control units for these transmissions are made of the heat-stabilized and oil-resistant Ultramid® A3WG6 (PA 66) from BASF.2009-03-27T09:55:00.000+0100Plastics

Dual-clutch transmissions are among the most innovative automatic transmissions. The same applies to their control units, which have been systematically improved by Continental over the last five years. Now the next generation of this complex family of components is being serially employed by VW, Audi, Ford and BMW. The plastic parts of the integrated control units for these transmissions are made of the heat-stabilized and oil-resistant Ultramid® A3WG6 (PA 66) from BASF.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-176As a first, BASF is launching a plastic containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) onto the market. This material is Ultraform® N2320 C, a polyoxymethylene (POM, also: polyacetal) that, thanks to the novel additives, acquires a high level of electric conductivity without much of a decrease in toughness. This material has gone into its first serial application at Bosch, for a fuel filter housing for the Audi A4 and A5.2009-03-26T09:50:00.000+0100Plastics

As a first, BASF is launching a plastic containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) onto the market. This material is Ultraform® N2320 C, a polyoxymethylene (POM, also: polyacetal) that, thanks to the novel additives, acquires a high level of electric conductivity without much of a decrease in toughness. This material has gone into its first serial application at Bosch, for a fuel filter housing for the Audi A4 and A5.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-175The highly elastic styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) Styroflex® 2G66 made by BASF, is now going into the serial production of films for stretch hoods by several industrial users. BISCHOF + KLEIN, a manufacturer of packaging material, is now using Styroflex to produce the stretch hood films of its SmartFlex® SE series. Owing to its high stretchability and recovery capacity, this Styroflex film lends itself very well for securing a wide array of palletized loads.2009-03-23T10:17:00.000+0100Plastics

The highly elastic styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) Styroflex® 2G66 made by BASF, is now going into the serial production of films for stretch hoods by several industrial users. BISCHOF + KLEIN, a manufacturer of packaging material, is now using Styroflex to produce the stretch hood films of its SmartFlex® SE series. Owing to its high stretchability and recovery capacity, this Styroflex film lends itself very well for securing a wide array of palletized loads.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-169BASF's Palusol® SW fire-protection panels have now been certified according to the British standard: fire-protection doors made with Palusol SW have been successfully tested for their capacity to withstand fire for 30 and 60 minutes. Thanks to the approval obtained by BASF, door manufacturers that supply markets with British fire-protection standards can now save money when it comes to their own development work and the statutory fire-safety testing of their doors.2009-03-19T08:28:00.000+0100Plastics

BASF's Palusol® SW fire-protection panels have now been certified according to the British standard: fire-protection doors made with Palusol SW have been successfully tested for their capacity to withstand fire for 30 and 60 minutes. Thanks to the approval obtained by BASF, door manufacturers that supply markets with British fire-protection standards can now save money when it comes to their own development work and the statutory fire-safety testing of their doors.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-171Today, March 13, 2009, BASF is starting up a new plant for the insulation material Neopor® in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Neopor is an expandable polystyrene (EPS). The plant has a yearly production capacity of 90,000 metric tons and works with a new process based on extrusion. The insulating capacity of Neopor is up to 20 percent better than that of Styropor® (EPS), thus contributing to energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions.2009-03-13T09:42:00.000+0100Plastics

Today, March 13, 2009, BASF is starting up a new plant for the insulation material Neopor® in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Neopor is an expandable polystyrene (EPS). The plant has a yearly production capacity of 90,000 metric tons and works with a new process based on extrusion. The insulating capacity of Neopor is up to 20 percent better than that of Styropor® (EPS), thus contributing to energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-168Ludwigshafen, Germany – March 12, 2009 – The European Commission today approved the acquisition of Ciba Holding AG by BASF. The approval is subject to the divestiture of individual product lines and production plants as well as a product license. The conditions apply to products that accounted for sales of less than €100 million in 2008.2009-03-12T20:05:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – March 12, 2009 – The European Commission today approved the acquisition of Ciba Holding AG by BASF. The approval is subject to the divestiture of individual product lines and production plants as well as a product license. The conditions apply to products that accounted for sales of less than €100 million in 2008.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-157The large German discount supermarket chain ALDI SÜD is now offering its German customers shopping bags made of BASF’s biodegradable plastic Ecovio®. Ecovio consists of Ecoflex®, a biodegradable petrochemical-based polyester and of polylactic acid (PLA), which is obtained from corn, a renewable raw material.2009-03-10T14:30:00.000+0100Plastics

The large German discount supermarket chain ALDI SÜD is now offering its German customers shopping bags made of BASF’s biodegradable plastic Ecovio®. Ecovio consists of Ecoflex®, a biodegradable petrochemical-based polyester and of polylactic acid (PLA), which is obtained from corn, a renewable raw material.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-154ANTWERP, Belgium; MIDLAND, Mich. (2009, March 5) – BASF SE (BASF) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) announced today that the world’s largest commercial-scale propylene oxide (PO) plant and the first based on the innovative hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology jointly developed by BASF and Dow has completed its start-up phase and is running stably.2009-03-05T13:58:00.000+0100Plastics

ANTWERP, Belgium; MIDLAND, Mich. (2009, March 5) – BASF SE (BASF) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) announced today that the world’s largest commercial-scale propylene oxide (PO) plant and the first based on the innovative hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology jointly developed by BASF and Dow has completed its start-up phase and is running stably.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-130Ludwigshafen, Germany – February 26, 2009 – BASF – The Chemical Company – is acting quickly and decisively to combat the effects of the global economic crisis: Production capacities and investments worldwide are being tailored to the drastic decline in demand, and the implementation of restructuring and efficiency programs is being accelerated.2009-02-26T07:30:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – February 26, 2009 – BASF – The Chemical Company – is acting quickly and decisively to combat the effects of the global economic crisis: Production capacities and investments worldwide are being tailored to the drastic decline in demand, and the implementation of restructuring and efficiency programs is being accelerated.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-140Ludwigshafen, Germany – February 26, 2009 – The Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE today decided to propose to the Annual Meeting on April 30, 2009 a dividend of €1.95 per share for 2008. The decision is subject to approval by the company’s Supervisory Board in its meeting on March 3, 2009. BASF is thus standing by its statement of maintaining the dividend at the previous year’s level in difficult years.2009-02-26T07:29:00.000+0100Plastics

Ludwigshafen, Germany – February 26, 2009 – The Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE today decided to propose to the Annual Meeting on April 30, 2009 a dividend of €1.95 per share for 2008. The decision is subject to approval by the company’s Supervisory Board in its meeting on March 3, 2009. BASF is thus standing by its statement of maintaining the dividend at the previous year’s level in difficult years.

http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-142An innovation project has paved the way to BASF’s success in using a conven¬tional stretch blow-molding machine to create the lightest half-liter polystyrene bottle ever: It weighs a mere 7.5 grams. This project gave BASF the opportunity to see whether extremely lightweight bottles for dairy products can be made of polystyrene using stretch blow-molding methods. After all, less weight always translates into lower costs.2009-02-23T13:36:00.000+0100Plastics

An innovation project has paved the way to BASF’s success in using a conven¬tional stretch blow-molding machine to create the lightest half-liter polystyrene bottle ever: It weighs a mere 7.5 grams. This project gave BASF the opportunity to see whether extremely lightweight bottles for dairy products can be made of polystyrene using stretch blow-molding methods. After all, less weight always translates into lower costs.