Expansions: BASF doubles polymer dispersions capacity in India; Huntsman starts operation of MDI splitter in US PU plant

German chemicals firm BASF has completed the installation and start-up of a acrylic dispersions production line in Dahej, India, serving the coatings, construction, adhesives, and paper industries for the South Asian markets. BASF began production of polymer dispersions in Dahej, India in October 2014, and this additional production line will almost double its capacity.

BASF adds it is one of the leading producers and suppliers of acrylics and butadiene-containing dispersions in the Asia Pacific region.

“As a global supplier for polymer dispersions, we are committed to ensuring the supply of high-quality products, supporting our customers’ expansion plans. The South Asian market is one of the fast-growing sub-regions within the Asia Pacific region. Our customers are looking for global partners like BASF, who can bring innovation and expertise with its extensive footprint to help them differentiate in their markets,” said Milind Joshi, Director, Dispersions South Asia at BASF.

The new production line complements the existing setup and allows the production of new dispersions technologies under Styronal PLUS 7918, Styronal ES series, Basonal FCB, Acronal EDGE, Acronal PLUS, and next-generation Acronal ECO product ranges.

“In construction polymers and architectural coatings, our innovations continue to deliver increased functionality including sustainability features, as well as durability improvement, driving premiumisation of the industry. For instance, our DURA-COLOR binders for exterior coatings enable formulations of exterior paints with outstanding dirt pick-up resistance and colour retention. In paper coatings for example, we continue to drive improved cost-in-use solutions. Styronal PLUS 7918 is our high-strength product that allows a substantial reduction of binder usage,” said Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Dispersions Asia Pacific, BASF.

The site in Dahej, Gujarat is an integrated hub for polyurethane manufacturing which houses production facilities for polymer dispersions as well as care chemicals. BASF also produces dispersions in Mangalore, a production site in the southern part of India.

Meanwhile, other news, chemical firm Huntsman Corporation has started up commercial operation of a new methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) splitter at its Geismar site in Louisiana. The US$180 million splitter gives Huntsman the ability to produce more high value, differentiated grades from the crude MDI manufactured at the plant, thereby enabling growth in key customer applications. 

“The new splitter reinforces our strategy of delivering value over volume by creating a more differentiated product portfolio,” said Tony Hankins, President of Huntsman’s Polyurethanes division. “It enables us to provide our customers in automotive, furniture, construction, adhesives and coatings markets with more options for innovative, sustainable polyurethanes products.” 

Jan Buberl, Polyurethanes’ Vice President for the Americas region said, “Our new splitter bridges the gap between our upstream MDI manufacturing assets and the downstream needs of our customers – both domestic and international. Our mission is to deliver what our customers need to help them innovate and grow. This investment will strengthen our ability to meet, and exceed, those expectations.”

(PRA)

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