BASF Starts Up New Plant To Increase Polyisobutene (PIB) Capacity
BASF has started up a new plant for the production of low-molecular-weight, highly reactive polyisobutene (HR PIB) at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, thus increasing its annual capacity by 25,000 metric tons to 40,000 metric tons. The polymer, marketed worldwide under the Glissopal trademark, is an important intermediate product for the manufacture of additives for fuels and lubricants.
The present increase in capacity is the second significant one within the last two years. In April 2008 BASF increased its annual capacity for Glissopal at its site in Antwerp, Belgium by 25,000 metric tons to 100,000 metric tons.
"In taking this step, we are strengthening our polyisobutene production here at Ludwigshafen. It also shows once again the benefits of our Verbund production network. Integration in the Verbund reduces the number of shipments between different sites, and hence the amount of traffic on our roads", says Hans W. Reiners, head of BASF's Performance Chemicals division.
Ralf Spettmann, head of the Automotive and Refinery Chemicals business unit adds: "With this investment, we are adapting our capacity sustainably to the steadily increasing demand and continue to be a reliable partner for our customers."
About polyisobutene
BASF produces polyisobutene in four plants at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium and manufactures low- molecular-weight polyisobutene (Glissopal) as well as medium- and high-molecular-weight polyisobutene (Oppanol). All three ranges of products play an important role in a wide variety of applications and include intermediates for fuel and lubricant additives, industrial lubricants and oils, adhesives, sealants and chewing gum. For more information, visit www.basf.com/pib.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. For more information, visit www.basf.com.
SOURCE: BASF