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BASF to invest for acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers in Brazil

11 Mar '11

3 min read

- Feasibility study on world-scale production of acrylic acid, butyl acrylate and superabsorbent polymers (SAP)

- Memorandum of Understanding with Braskem S.A. secures long-term supply of feedstock

BASF is exploring opportunities for a new investment in Brazil. Projects under consideration include the production of acrylic acid, butyl acrylate and superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The company is conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the technical, commercial and economic viability of operating a world-scale complex in Brazil.

Decision on the plants to be built as well as on their capacities will be taken after the completion of the feasibility study, which is planned to be concluded in 2011. With this investment BASF is targeting at the growing South American market with special focus on Brazil.

“BASF is currently producing butylacrylate in Brazil, but at the moment there are no production plants for acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in South America at all – all product is imported,” said Dr. Alfred Hackenberger, President of BASF for South America. “With these new investments we will be the first company to produce acrylic acid and SAP in South America, which will enable us to better serve our customers, further foster our position in these markets and open up additional opportunities for our businesses in South America,“ concludes Hackenberger.

To secure the competitiveness of the investment under consideration, BASF and Braskem S.A., a major chemical company in Brazil, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU defines the long-term supply conditions for propylene, which is used as feedstock for the acrylic acid production, as well as the supply of utilities by Braskem to BASF.

Acrylic acid is an important precursor in the value chain of superabsorbents, the active component of baby diapers and other hygienic products. Acrylic esters, the most important derivatives of acrylic acid, are used to produce architectural coatings, adhesive raw materials and construction chemicals.

About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to 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 about €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).

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