BASF to expand Nanjing additives plant amid growing demand in Asia

BASF has announced a significant expansion of its additives plant in Nanjing, China. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, the expansion includes a state-of-the-art production line specifically for BASF’s high-performance Controlled Free Radical Polymerization (CFRP) dispersants.

BASF’s decision to expand its Nanjing facility is a response to the rapidly increasing demand within Asia, the world’s largest and fastest-growing chemical market.

“The new investment in the additives plant in Nanjing will further strengthen BASF’s local production footprint in China, the world’s largest and fastest growing chemical market,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lou, president and chairman of BASF Greater China. “Leveraging our local innovation and manufacturing presence, we are excited to meet the increasing needs of our customers in China with more proximity, efficiency, and innovative product portfolio, thus contributing to their competitiveness and sustainable growth.”

The Nanjing site, which has been a focal point of BASF’s operations in China over the past decade, plays a crucial role in the company’s supply chain across the Asia Pacific. The facility seamlessly integrates manufacturing, technical service, and research and development, making it a cornerstone of BASF’s additive production.

Sylvain Huguenard, vice president of Global Business Management for Additives at BASF, highlighted the technical advantages of the new dispersants. “Benefits of CFRP technology include strong pigment affinity and excellent flocculation resistance enabled through well-defined polymer structure. For over 20 years, BASF has been supporting customers with cutting edge dispersing agents based on our unique controlled free radical polymers. This investment is a testimony of our commitment towards continuous innovation, supply reliability and sustainability.”

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division, which oversees the production and marketing of a broad array of polymer dispersions, resins, and additives, is poised to meet diverse industry needs from coatings and construction to adhesives and electronics with this expansion.

Reflecting on BASF’s long-standing presence in China since 1885, the company continues to be a significant foreign investor in the Chinese chemical sector. With major production sites in Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, and Zhanjiang, and a regional research and development hub in Shanghai, BASF is deeply embedded in the fabric of China’s industrial landscape. In 2023 alone, BASF’s operations in Greater China generated sales of approximately €9.4 billion and provided employment for over 12,000 people.

As the Nanjing plant gears up for its next phase of growth, BASF is clearly focused on reinforcing its leadership in the additives market while contributing to sustainable industrial practices.

The initiative underscores BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, incorporating advanced production processes designed to minimise CO2 emissions.