In Nanjing, BASF and SINOPEC have jointly inaugurated expanded downstream chemical plants at their Verbund site operated by BASF-YPC Co., Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture. This expansion, in response to increasing demand from diverse industries in China, includes the introduction of a new tert-butyl acrylate (TBA) plant by the end of 2023, representing the first utilization of this advanced production technology outside of Germany. TBA, a monofunctional monomer renowned for its chemical resistance, weatherability, and hydrophobicity, finds wide-ranging applications in sectors such as paper, coatings, adhesives, and inks.

Dr. Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Executive Directors at BASF SE, expressed pride in the inauguration, highlighting the milestone it signifies in the enduring partnership with SINOPEC. BASF-YPC, renowned for its safety standards and business performance, is poised to facilitate further business growth in China through this expansion.

Baocai Yu, President of SINOPEC Corp, emphasized the expansion's significance as a testament to the robust collaboration and shared vision of sustainable development between SINOPEC and BASF.

The expanded facilities at BASF-YPC bolster production capabilities in high-quality chemical intermediates, including propionic acid (PA), propionic aldehyde (PALD), purified ethylene oxide (PEO), ethyleneamines (EEAs), and ethanolamines (EOAs). These intermediates cater to diverse industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, textiles, and daily chemicals.

Furthermore, these new facilities, powered by renewable electricity, aim to curtail carbon emissions during production, offering chemicals with lower product carbon footprints (PCFs) to the market. For instance, BASF-YPC plans to introduce PA products to the Asian market with approximately 40% lower PCFs than domestically produced coal-based alternatives, thereby assisting customers in reducing the carbon footprints of their products.

TüV Rheinland has endorsed the PCF (SCOTT) methodology developed by BASF and utilized by BASF-YPC Company Limited, confirming its scientific basis in accordance with ISO 14067:2018.

Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman Greater China at BASF, expressed confidence in co-creating with local customers and meeting market demands with innovative and sustainable products, contributing to the transformation of various industries in China towards a sustainable future.

Yuefeng Gu, Chairman of Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company Limited and BASF-YPC Company Limited, highlighted the implementation of first-class technology and standards in constructing the new facilities, aimed at enhancing resource utilization efficiency and strengthening competitive advantages in the dynamic Chinese market.

Highlights:

• BASF and SINOPEC inaugurate expanded chemical plants in Nanjing.

• Introduction of a new tert-butyl acrylate (TBA) plant outside Germany.

• Introduction of chemicals with lower product carbon footprints (PCFs) to the market.

• Endorsement of PCF methodology by TüV Rheinland.