BASF opens first phase of new antioxidants manufacturing plant in Shanghai

BASF has inaugurated a new, world-scale antioxidants manufacturing plant at its Caojing site in Shanghai, China, on 23 January. With an annual capacity of 42,000 tons, the plant will produce antioxidants and associated forms and blends for the plastic additives market. The units for powder blending, liquid antioxidants and forgiving are now operational as part of the plant’s first phase.

“Asia is the world’s largest antioxidants market and China accounts for almost 65% of the market in Asia. We expect the market will show attractive growth rates in the medium to long term,” said Markus Kamieth, a member of the Board of Directors, BASF SE. “With this investment, we strengthen our position as the leading global supplier of antioxidants.”

“BASF wants to be the leading chemicals supplier for our customers,” said Stephan Kothrade, president, Functions Asia Pacific, president and chairman of Greater China, BASF. “By investing in advanced production plants in China, we want to anticipate and fulfill our customers’ needs even better.”

Located at BASF’s Caojing site in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, the new plant will benefit from its proximity to BASF’s regional research and development center in Shanghai; a hub that provides technical support to polymer producers across the region.

Antioxidants help prevent thermal oxidation reactions when plastics are processed at high temperatures. Oxidation can cause the loss of impact strength, elongation, surface cracks and discoloration of the material. Almost all polymer materials undergo oxidative degradation reactions at one or all of the manufacturing, processing and end-use stages.

BASF runs a global production network and is the only supplier of plastic additives with production sites in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.