BASF Expansions: ups BDO capacity in Ludwigshafen; strengthens production footprint in India with new dispersions line in Mangalore

With the European Commission restricting imports of BDO from China, Saudi Arabia and the US due to provisional anti‑dumping duties following significant dumping and injury margins observed, Germany-based chemical firm BASF’s Intermediates division has strengthened supply security for its European customers in the 1,4‑butanediol (BDO) value chain.

By gradually increasing production output at its BDO plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF says it aims to support customers with supply across Europe as they navigate the implications of recent BDO anti‑dumping proceedings.

The company’s increased BDO output reinforces the availability of key derivative products such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) from BASF. This integrated setup supports critical downstream markets, including polymers, solvents, elastomers and high‑performance materials, while enabling stable production planning. The focus on production in Ludwigshafen is part of BASF’s strategic commitment to the European BDO and downstream market and aims to strengthen the long‑term perspective for both BASF and its customers.

In line with its sustainability strategy, BASF continues to expand its portfolio of more sustainable products, which includes, for instance, biomass balanced (BMB) versions of BDO, THF and PolyTHF that save fossil resources and reduce Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs). 

“Producing more BDO in Ludwigshafen allows us to minimize transport needs and draw on the efficiencies of our integrated Verbund, resulting in a reduced PCF,” explains Sebastian Spicher, Senior Product Manager for Acetylene and Butanediol. “At the same time, we are advancing new solutions that make use of renewable electricity and renewable raw materials.” These measures help improve lifecycle performance across BDO derivatives and underline BASF’s commitment to driving more sustainable value chains.

BDO is a key intermediate used across numerous downstream markets, including polymers, textiles, automotive engineering, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. BASF is one of the global leaders in BDO and its derivatives, operating two BDO production plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Geismar, Louisiana.In related news, BASF is expanding its dispersions production capacity at its Mangalore site with the addition of a new production line to cater to the paints, construction chemicals and paper applications sectors.

As demand for high performance dispersions continues to evolve, this addition will strengthen BASF’s ability to provide reliable local supply and advanced solutions tailored to the needs of customers in India and the broader region, it adds.

India is among the fastest-growing major economies globally, driven by strong demographics, rising consumption, and government initiatives to boost infrastructure and manufacturing. To meet growing demand for premium, sustainable dispersions, BASF is enhancing its Mangalore operations, supporting customers’ long-term growth and the evolving needs of key end-user industries.

Leveraging on its strong acrylic value chain and broad dispersions portfolio, BASF reinforces its leadership in premium and performance-enhancing technologies locally:

“The new line is designed to manufacture advanced dispersions that deliver targeted performance and sustainability benefits,” said Milind Joshi, Business Director, Dispersions, South Asia, BASF.

Acronal and Basonal technologies enable low-VOC, durable formulations across paints, construction, and paper applications, the firm adds.

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