TAGS: Sustainability / Natural Solutions PVC, Plasticizers and Sustainability
The Chief Minister of Pahang, Dato' Sri Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, officiated the double celebration of 25th year anniversary of BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) and the official launch of a 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid) plant expansion project at BPC’s integrated site in Kuantan, Malaysia.
BPC, BASF and PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad’s (PCG) joint venture, is moving forward with the investment on the expansion project for the 2-EHAcid production plant at its Verbund site in Kuantan. The expansion will enable the company to double the annual production capacity of 2-EHAcid to 60,000 metric tons and support the ongoing growth of its customers in the region.
A Chemical Intermediate for Plasticizers
2-EHAcid is a chemical intermediate used as a compound in the production of synthetic lubricants as well as oil additives. It is also used in functional fluids like automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticizers, stabilizers, catalysts and other applications in various industries. Apart from the production site in Kuantan, Malaysia, BASF produces 2-EHAcid at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
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BPC is another successful joint venture for BASF with excellent safety and business performances, thanks to the long-term and close tie between BASF and PCG over a quarter century, which is further cemented by this expansion. With the doubled capacity, we will be well-equipped to grow together with our customers from various industries with reliable supply capability and top-notch product quality,” said Vasilios Galanos, senior vice president, Intermediates Asia Pacific, BASF.
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BPC is one of our strategic JV investments which capitalises on the integration between BPC and other PCG plants in the Kuantan Verbund site. This integration allows BPC to maximise the value chain by improving the quality and cost competitiveness of the products to continue delivering innovative solutions to our customers,” said Ir. Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof, managing director/ chief executive officer, PCG.
Expansion in Line with Sustainable Growth Strategy
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2-EHAcid has been an integral part of BPC’s growth and this expansion will capture the growing market demand. The expansion is also in line with PCG's sustainable growth strategy to expand our portfolio with higher value products,” added Yusof.
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This expansion marks another key milestone achieved by the organisation and thanks to its existing “Verbund” integrated concept, skilled workforce, reliable raw materials supply, and strong stakeholders support that enable this new investment to underline our commitment in providing sustainable life of 25 years and more to come,” adds Marko Murtonen, managing director, BPC.
This momentous event also features its continuous commitment to safety articulated in the Journey To EHS Excellence safety exhibition. Celebrating with BPC are all the stakeholders and community partners that have been a strong pillar to the growth and success of the organisation for the past 25 years.
Source: BASF