BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) started the production of Palatinol DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate), a general-purpose plasticizer, at its Pasadena, Tex. facility, with a nameplate capacity of 60,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr). The plant enables BASF to respond to the growing demand for non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers in North America, and strengthens its position as a reliable source for DOTP.
In addition, operations started at an oxo alcohol unit for 2-EH (2-ethylhexanol) at the Pasadena site, with a nameplate capacity of 100,000 m.t./yr. This secures consistent raw material integration for Palatinol DOTP, while also strengthening the reliability of BASF’s 2-EHA (2-ethylhexyl acrylate) production at the company’s site in Freeport, Texas.
“The new capacities provide increased potential for BASF in the non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers market,” said Heather Remley, Senior Vice President, Petrochemicals North America. “Production at our Pasadena facility reinforces BASF as a valued supplier and reliable partner for plasticizers in North America.”
As part of its global production network, BASF offers a broad portfolio of plasticizers, including general-purpose plasticizers, and specialty plasticizers, such as adipates, polymerics, and trimellitates.
Manufacturers use plasticizers to soften and increase the flexibility of rigid PVC (polyvinylchloride).