BASF has successfully achieved mechanical completion for its Glacial Acrylic Acid (GAA) and Butyl Acrylate (BA) plants at the Zhanjiang Verbund site.
Global chemical giant BASF today announced a pivotal achievement in the construction of its integrated Zhanjiang Verbund site, with the successful mechanical completion of the initial phase of its acrylics complex. This critical milestone encompasses the Glacial Acrylic Acid (GAA) and Butyl Acrylate (BA) plants, positioning the world-scale facilities firmly on track for commissioning and start-up in the coming year. This development is set to significantly bolster BASF's manufacturing capabilities and reinforce its leadership in the dynamic acrylics market.
The completion of these state-of-the-art plants represents a substantial leap forward for BASF's strategic investments in Asia. "The acrylics business has been a cornerstone of BASF Petrochemicals. With the completion of the new acrylics complex in Zhanjiang, we are further enhancing our production capacities along the acrylics value chain," stated Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Petrochemicals Asia Pacific at BASF. He emphasized the strategic importance of these new facilities, noting, "These new world-scale production facilities will allow us to meet the fast-growing demand for acrylics in China and across Asia with a reliable supply of high-quality, competitive products and shorter lead times." This expansion is crucial for serving the burgeoning markets across the region, ensuring a robust and efficient supply chain.
The products from the new complex are integral to a wide array of industrial applications. Acrylic acid serves as a vital precursor in the production of superabsorbent polymers, which are extensively used in hygiene products such as diapers and adult incontinence products. Butyl acrylate, an ester derived from acrylic acid, is a versatile chemical widely employed in the manufacturing of adhesives, architectural coatings, and various industrial coatings. These materials are fundamental to numerous industries, from construction and automotive to consumer goods, underscoring the broad impact of BASF's enhanced production capacity.
Upon full operation, the acrylics complex at the Zhanjiang Verbund site is projected to achieve an impressive annual production capacity of approximately 400,000 metric tons of Butyl Acrylate. This substantial output will not only meet the escalating demand within China but also strengthen BASF's supply network across the broader Asian market, ensuring a stable and competitive source for these essential chemicals. The 2025 start-up date remains a key target, promising a new era of supply reliability and market responsiveness for BASF's acrylics portfolio in the region.
