BASF Completes Plasticizer Platform Restructuring Efforts In North America

Pasadena, TX — BASF has commenced operation of its new 125,000 metric ton per year Palatinol® DPHP (di-propylheptyl phthalate) ester manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas. Used primarily in automotive, wire and cable, general-purpose and outdoor weathering applications, Palatinol® DPHP will be BASF's largest volume plasticizer in North America.

"As the latest investment step for our plasticizer platform in North America, this ester plant start-up is an important milestone for our business," said Pete Cella, Group Vice President for BASF's Petrochemicals Regional Business Unit in North America. "Our Pasadena investments demonstrate BASF's commitment to oxo alcohols and plasticizers as a key global technology and business for us."

The completion of the DPHP plant allows BASF to reduce and focus its toll manufacturing operations in North America to ensure continued supply of branched phthalates, trimellitates, adipates and selected linear plasticizers.

"Our new ester plant allows us to convert a good portion of our linear and branched plasticizer business to DPHP and grow our sales in the region," said Peter Schwab, Business Director for the BASF Oxo Alcohol and Plasticizer business in North America. "With our new butene-based 2-PH (2-propyl heptanol) and ester manufacturing units in Pasadena, Texas, and our expanded 2-EH (ethyl hexanol) facility in Freeport, Texas, BASF is in a strong position to efficiently supply plasticizer and oxo alcohol customers in North America and support the BASF plasticizer business globally."

SOURCE: BASF Corporation