BASF increases capacity of its global plastic additives production network
- Investments of more than €200 million planned for several sites in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific
Ludwigshafen, Germany – November 8, 2016 – Within the next five years, BASF plans to invest globally more than €200 million in its plastic additives business, approximately half of which in Asia, focusing on capacity expansions and operational excellence. Plastic additives improve product properties such as scratch resistance or light stability, and optimize plastics manufacturing processes. As the leading global supplier of plastic additives with manufacturing assets in all regions, BASF is a major partner to the plastics industry.
“BASF will strengthen its plastic additives business with investments in additional capacities to meet increasing global demand for antioxidants, as well as light stabilizers. Moreover, we will invest in digital processes and technology to support our customers as a reliable supplier in all regions,” said Dr. Christian Fischer, President, BASF Performance Chemicals division.
The planned set of measures focuses on capacity expansions at sites in North America and Europe as well as investments in automation, digital technologies and modelling. In addition, BASF plans to strengthen its plastic additives production footprint in Asia.
Innovation based on new chemistry
In addition to investments, innovation remains an integral part of BASF’s business strategy. At the K Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, BASF’s plastic additives business recently launched two new light stabilizers:
Tinuvin® 880, based on a new chemistry, is a medium molecular weight light stabilizer which provides significantly improved light stability, especially in interior car applications with the additional benefit of offering higher thermal stability.
Tinuvin® XT 55 provides formulators with very good durability and excellent secondary properties such as color stability, gas fading and extraction resistance. Using this new solution, an excellent cost performance will be achieved by adjusting dosage and other formulation components to end application conditions and expectations.
Both products are undergoing sampling at key customers.
About BASF Plastic Additives
BASF is a leading supplier, manufacturer and innovation partner of plastic additives. Its comprehensive and innovative product portfolio includes stabilizers which provide ease in processing, heat and light resistance to a variety of polymers and applications including molded articles, films, fibers, sheets and extruded profiles. More information about plastic additives: http://www.plasticadditives.basf.com
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.
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