BASF to expand bismuth vanadate pigments capacities in Germany

In order to meet the growing customers’ demand, BASF is going to significantly increase its production capacities of bismuth vanadate pigments in Besigheim near Stuttgart, Germany. The additional capacities will be available as of 2017. Bismuth vanadate pigments are yellow pigments with a special greenish colour tone that BASF markets under the Sicopal and Paliotan brands. Customers use them for the formulation of paints, coatings and plastic coatings.
 
Bismuth vanadate pigments are a high performance inorganic alternative to pigments containing lead chromate, which, according to the EU chemicals regulation REACH, are classified as CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction).
 
In the field of bismuth vanadate pigments, BASF is one of the global market leaders and has a comprehensive portfolio that is continually being expanded. In 2013, BASF launched the particularly colour-intense yellow Sicopal L1130 pigment, which is well established in the market. The product is used as alternative to zinc-containing formulations and enables highly chromatic yellow shades with high weather fastness.
 
In 2015, BASF is also going to introduce a newly developed alkali-stable bismuth vanadate pigment for the formulation of paints as well as a temperature-stable bismuth vanadate pigment for plastic applications.