BASF and SINOPEC are considering the extension of their Nanjing joint venture BASF-YPC Company Limited with the expansion of existing ethylene oxide (EO) production, and a new plant for neopentylglycol (NPG). BASF-YPC will further expand its acrylic acid value chain with additional acrylic acid and butyl acrylate plants. Production is expected to commence in 2014.
With expanded production of important basic chemicals including NPG and EO, our new world-scale acrylic acid facility, and our butyl acrylate and SAP plants, BASF can further strengthen its production base in the C2 and C3 value chains. These are the starting points for the full range of innovative solutions we offer to nearly every industry. This underlines our confidence in the development of the Asia Pacific and China markets, said Dr. Albert Heuser, President Greater China and Functions Asia Pacific, BASF.
The partners are considering an expansion of the sites ethylene oxide unit, which has an existing capacity of 330,000 metric tons per year. EO is a basic chemical mainly used for the production of ethylene glycol, and also for the production of surfactants for washing and cleaning agents, and as a raw material for the production of ethanolamines, glycol ethers and polyurethanes.
Additionally under consideration is a new neopentylglycol unit. NPG is a unique polyalcohol offering superior performance advantages in many end-use applications, due to its high chemical and thermal stability. It is mainly used as a building block in lubricants, polyester resins for coatings, unsaturated polyesters and plasticizers. As the global market leader for NPG, BASF is the only company in the world that has production facilities in Europe, North America, and Asia.
We see great market potential in China and the region for these products. These state-of-the-art plants in Nanjing will further strengthen our Verbund site, said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, President, BASF-YPC Company.
BASF-YPC Company Limited is a 50-50 joint venture formed in 2000 between BASF and SINOPEC.
