Chief Minister Dato’ Sri DiRaja Haji Adnan Haji Yaakob, led the ground-breaking of a 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid) production plant at the BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd integrated site in Kuantan, Malaysia.
The ASEAN’s first of its kind facility is the latest investment by the BASF and Petronas Chemicals Group’s joint venture. With a total annual capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes, it is expected to be commissioned in Q4 2016.
2-EHAcid is a chemical intermediate used as a compound, for example, in the production of synthetic lubricants as well oil additives. It is also used for functional fluids like automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticisers, stabilisers, catalysts and other applications in various industries including cosmetics.
Located within one of the two Verbund sites within Asia Pacific, the new 2-EHAcid plant is a synergistic opportunity for backward integration that allows for greater sustainable use of raw materials, energy and technology know-how. This underpins the Verbund philosophy in ensuring high delivery reliability and maximising efficient use of energy and feedstock.
BASF also operates a 2-EHAacid production plant at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
(PRA)
