On January 23, 2019, BASF's new world-class antioxidant device at the Shanghai base was officially put into operation. The plant has an annual capacity of 42,000 tons and is mainly used in the plastics additive market to produce antioxidants and corresponding particulate form products and mixtures.

The first phase of the plant includes a powder mixing unit, a liquid antioxidant production unit and a pellet form production unit, which are now in production operation.

BASF Europe executive board member Dr. Kelly said: "By this investment, BASF will consolidate its position as the world's leading antioxidant supplier.

Asia is currently the world's largest antioxidant market, and China accounts for almost 65% of the Asian market. We believe that the Chinese market will present an attractive mid- to long-term growth. ”

Kothrade said: "BASF is to become the leading chemical supplier in the eyes of customers. We hope to better predict and meet the needs of our customers by investing in advanced production equipment in China. We will be unique in the chemical industry. Knowing and combining customer strength, we work together to develop solutions that combine economic efficiency and social responsibility."

The new facility is located at BASF's base in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, adjacent to BASF's regional R&D center in Shanghai, providing technical support to polymer producers in the region.

The importance of antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent thermal oxidation of plastics in high temperature processing environments. Oxidation causes a decrease in impact strength and elongation of the material, surface cracking and discoloration. Almost all polymeric materials undergo oxidative degradation at one or more stages of production, processing, and use.

With a global production network, BASF is the only supplier of plastic additive production sites in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.