Russian petrochemicals company Sibur has signed a long-term supply agreement with German chemicals giant BASF to supply additives used for polymer production and processing at Sibur’s production facilities. The deal provides for supplies of additives used to produce polypropylene, polyethylene, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and ABS plastics at Sibur's production facilities, with BASF ensuring also technical support.

“Sibur is continuously working to improve the quality of its products to better serve its customers’ needs. We are happy to have signed the cooperation agreement with BASF, a recognised global leader in production of additives for polymers,” Sibur’s Managing Director Oleg Makarov said. “Its wealth of experience and technical expertise in this segment will contribute to further quality improvements of Sibur’s products.”

To maintain their positions in the market, Sibur and BASF will also look at developing new, advanced materials. In particular, they plan to collaborate in projects with a view to improving properties of elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers. Additionally, there is a project in progress for Sibur’s production of a new PP for nonwoven fabrics. Potential use of customer specific blends by BASF, which boost production efficiency and consistency of product quality, is under discussion.