Business & Economics :: Latest News
November 1, 2007
BASF Catalysts expands plant for polypropylene catalysts
Rebekkah Marshall
BASF Catalysts (Iselin, N.J.;
www.basf.catalysts.com) is expanding production at its facility in Tarragona, Spain, which manufactures catalysts used to make polypropylene. Once complete by September 2008, the project will increase capacity by more than 25%, enabling the plant to meet growing customer demand over the next few years.
The Tarragona plant produces custom catalysts for BASF’s partner, Novolen Technology, and BASF’s own proprietary polyolefins catalysts.
Global polyolefin demand is expected to grow 4–5% over the next few years, driven by per capita consumption increases particularly in emerging markets; replacement of metal and natural fibers by polypropylene substitutes; substitution of other plastics, such as styrenics and PVC in packaging and automotive parts; and increased use of polyethylene products in water and gas pipeline applications.
