Expansions: BASF starts-up dispersant line in China; Tata Chemicals to expand capacity for silica, soda ash in India

Germany’s BASF says it has officially commissioned its high-performance dispersant production line at the Jiangbei New Material Technology Park, Nanjing, China. This investment enables local production of advanced dispersants using Controlled Free Radical Polymerization (CFRP) technology, it adds. The overall global capacity increase improves supply reliability and flexibility, along with production from the company’s site in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and Chief Technology Officer, attended the commissioning of the new line. “This new plant will establish a stable local supply to support fast-growing market demand in the industrial coatings and automotive sectors. With our advanced CFRP technology for dispersants and state-of-the-art production processes, the plant will enable the green transformation of our customers in Asia with lower PCF products,” he said.

Sylvain Huguenard, Vice President of Global Additives Business Management, added, “Introducing CFRP technology at the Nanjing plant reinforces our competitive edge. By delivering advanced dispersant solutions, we empower customers to lead in performance.”

Since 2007, BASF’s Nanjing plant has been a key specialty chemical production base for China and Asia Pacific. This latest expansion will further boost BASF’s market competitiveness and innovation.

High-performance dispersants are essential in coatings, inks and composites, improving pigment dispersion, colour performance and system stability. CFRP technology meets the demands of high-end markets for broader colour gamut and superior product performance.

In other news, India’s Tata Chemicals has approved two proposals for capacity expansion at its manufacturing facilities in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

The companys board approved an investment of Rs 135 crore for expanding dense soda ash manufacturing capacity at its Mithapur plant, Gujarat, to meet growing demand driven by sustainability applications. The plant currently operates at 90% capacity utilisation, with an existing capacity of 1,091 kilotonnes/year. The proposed expansion will add 350 kilotonnes/year of soda ash capacity.

The project is expected to be completed over the next 24 months.

Additionally, the board also approved an investment of Rs 775 crore for expanding precipitated silica manufacturing capacity at its Cuddalore plant,

Tamil Nadu, aimed at catering to growing demand for specialty silica in rubber and automotive tyre industries.

The plant currently has a capacity of 13.8 kilotonnes/year with 88% capacity utilisation. The proposed expansion will add 50 kilotonnes/year of precipitated silica capacity.

The company also said that it plans to finance both expansion through internal accruals or other options.

With the expansion of soda ash, the company could be able to cater to the growing demand driven by sustainability applications. While it said that with silica expansion, it can address increasing demand in the rubber and automotive tyre industry.

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