BASF’s Antwerp Site Sees Major Expansion in Ethylene Oxide Capabilities

BASF’s Antwerp Site Sees Major Expansion in Ethylene Oxide Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) BASF, a leading chemical company, has expanded its production capacities for ethylene oxide and its derivatives at its Antwerp site in Belgium. This investment adds approximately 400,000 metric tons per year to the company’s production capacity for these essential products. The expansion also includes additional capacity for alkoxylates, versatile derivatives of ethylene oxide used in various applications. BASF aims to accelerate its growth and better serve its European customers with this expansion, reinforcing its commitment to the European market.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 16-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF (ETR: BAS), the world’s largest chemical producer, announces a significant expansion of capacities for ethylene oxide and its derivatives at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. This strategic investment bolsters BASF’s annual production capacity by approximately 400,000 metric tons for these critical products.

“With the new plants we are supporting the continuous growth of our customers and are enhancing our market position in Europe,” says Hartwig Michels, President Petrochemicals, BASF. The investment, exceeding €500 million, comprises a second world-scale ethylene oxide plant, including capacity for purified ethylene oxide.

In addition to ethylene oxide, the investment includes additional capacities for alkoxylates, which are derivatives of ethylene oxide and used in a wide range of applications such as in detergent and cleaning, automotive and construction industry. “Acting with the future in mind is key to our continued success in the European market. With this expansion, we will accelerate growth for us and our customers in Europe”, says Mary Kurian, President Care Chemicals, BASF.

The expanded ethylene oxide and derivatives complex is also a major investment for the site in Antwerp. “The investment underlines the importance of our site for the BASF-group and creates further opportunities. To operate these world-scale installations, BASF Antwerp welcomed over 100 new colleagues; this number comes on top of the regular hires.”, says Jan Remeysen, CEO of BASF Antwerp.

This significant enhancement of ethylene oxide and derivatives production represents a substantial commitment to BASF’s Antwerp site, underlining the company’s dedication to advancing its capabilities and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

About BASF’s Petrochemicals division

The Petrochemicals division is the starting point for BASF’s petrochemical-based value chains globally. We operate a highly competitive asset base with best-in-class technologies and focus on safety and operational excellence. With six Verbund sites and several major production sites, we are close to our customers and present in the largest chemical markets worldwide. The division supplies various value chains across the company and a broad range of customer industries with high-quality chemicals, contributing to the organic volume growth of BASF. Our portfolio includes cracker products, industrial gases, acrylics, superabsorbent polymers, styrenic foams, alkylene oxides, glycols, alcohols, solvents and plasticizers. Further information is available online at http://petrochemicals.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media contact:

Andreas Gryger
+49 621 60-45904
andreas.gryger@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF SE