BASF, Huntsman, Sinopec plan new MDI plant in Shanghai

BASF, Huntsman, Shanghai Hua Yi (Group) Company, Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Co Ltd and Sinopec Group Assets Management Corporation have begun the construction work of a new plant with a production capacity of 2,40,000 metric tonnes of crude diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) per year, at Shanghai Lianheng Isocyanate Co Ltd (SLIC) in Caojing, China.
 
With the new plant, the MDI capacity at this site will be doubled to 480,000 metric tonnes per year. In addition, the partners plan to build a hydrogen chloride (HCl) recycling plant for the production of chlorine, a precursor for MDI. The facility is expected to start up 2017.
 
MDI is an important precursor in the manufacture of polyurethanes – versatile polymers that are used in industries like construction, automotive, appliance, and footwear.
 
“Asia Pacific remains an important growth and investment region for BASF, with the fast growing Chinese market being a major focus. Polyurethanes are among the most versatile materials existing to address sustainability issues across numerous applications such as the automotive or construction industries. With the new plant, BASF can participate in this dynamic market,” said Martin Brudermuller, Vice Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, responsible for Asia Pacific, BASF.
 
The new MDI plant is planned at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) in Caojing, adjacent to the existing integrated isocyanates complex. This will enable the utilisation and full access to raw materials and energy.