 "BASF MPCC Company's isononanol plant in Maoming, China")
BASF MPCC Company Limited (BMC), a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC), has inaugurated its isononanol (INA) plant in Maoming Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone in China. This is the first isononanol plant, which will have an annual capacity of 180,000 metric tonnes, in China and will serve the growing demand for next-generation plasticisers.
“We are aiming to bring more of our production to the Asia Pacific region, where we will be closer to our direct customers and more closely in tune with the needs and the developments of key markets. Our midterm goal is that 75 percent of what we sell in this region is also produced in this region,” said Albert Heuser, president functions Asia Pacific, president & chairman Greater China, BASF.
Isononanol is used for the production of diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a high molecular weight phthalate plasticiser. High molecular weight phthalate plasticisers have more favourable toxicological properties compared to low molecular weight phthalate plasticisers. The ongoing substitution of the low molecular weight phthalate plasticisers in the market by high molecular weight phthalates like DINP is expected to drive the demand for INA in the upcoming years. DINP is widely used as a plasticiser in industrial applications such as automotive, wires and cables, floorings, building and construction.
“MPCC is one of the largest refining companies in SINOPEC, with excellent economic performance that matches the foremost enterprises of the SINOPEC group. As the leading chemical company, BASF brings both technological and economic strengths. With this cooperation, the resources of the two partners complement each other, creating a win-win strategic fit that will boost the growth of both companies,” said Yu Xizhi, chairman of BMC.
