BASF Launches New High-Performance Dispersant Production Line in China
BASF has officially commenced operations at its new high-performance dispersant production facility located in the New Materials High-Tech Park in Nanjing's Jiangbei New Area, China.
The new investment utilises Controlled Free Radical Polymerisation (CFRP) technology to manufacture advanced dispersants locally. According to the company, this expansion, combined with existing supply from the Heerenveen site in the Netherlands, will enhance global production capacity, ensuring more reliable and flexible supply for customers worldwide.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Technology Officer of BASF, stated that the new facility will secure a stable local supply to meet rapidly growing market demand, particularly in the industrial coatings and automotive sectors. He further emphasised that through CFRP technology and advanced production processes, the facility will assist Asian customers in their green transformation by providing products with a lower carbon footprint.
Echoing the strategic importance of the investment, Gops Pillay, President of Global Operations at BASF, highlighted that strong partnerships are a cornerstone of their business. He noted that by expanding CFRP technology capacity in Nanjing and integrating it with supply from the Netherlands, BASF can respond more swiftly to customer needs and flexibly support client growth amidst market fluctuations.
Sylvain Huguenard, Vice President and Head of Global Additives Business Management at BASF, added that the introduction of CFRP technology at the Nanjing site further strengthens the company's competitive edge. He stated that by providing these advanced dispersant solutions, BASF empowers its customers to maintain performance leadership in their respective markets.
The BASF Nanjing site, which began operations in 2007, remains a vital specialty chemicals production hub for both China and the Asia-Pacific region. This latest expansion is expected to further enhance BASF's market competitiveness and innovation capabilities in the region.
High-performance dispersants are critical components used in coatings, inks, and composites to improve pigment dispersion, enhance colour performance, and increase system stability. The CFRP technology is specifically designed to meet the demands of high-end markets requiring a broader colour gamut and exceptional product performance.
The commissioning of the new facility holds additional significance as it coincides with BASF's 140th anniversary of operations in China, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to innovation and sustainable industry development in the region.