BASF’s €25 Million Investment Boosts Superabsorbent Polymer Innovation in Antwerp

From left to right:Matthias Lindner, Vice President Global Controlling Petrochemicals;Dr. Marco Altmayer, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Business Development Petrochemicals;Dr. Reiner Geier, Senior Vice President, Industrial Petrochemicals Europe;Dr. Maximilian Walter, Senior Vice President, Global Technology Petrochemicals;Dr. Thorsten Oberreuther, Senior Vice President, Plant Operations Antwerp.

(IN BRIEF) BASF has officially launched its Superabsorbents Excellence Center at the Antwerp site in Belgium, following a €25 million investment. This facility demonstrates BASF’s commitment to the hygiene industry within its acrylics value chain. The center is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including data collection and sensors, to enhance product development and performance in the superabsorbent polymer business. Its proximity to BASF’s Antwerp superabsorbent production facility is expected to expedite time-to-market. Furthermore, the Flemish government has granted €1.4 million in funding to support the innovative initiative.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN/ ANTWERP, 25-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF (ETR: BAS), the world’s largest chemical producer, proudly announces the commencement of production at its cutting-edge Superabsorbents Excellence Center, located within its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. This €25 million investment underscores BASF’s unwavering commitment to the hygiene industry, a crucial component of its acrylics value chain.

The Superabsorbents Excellence Center represents a significant step forward in enhancing innovation capabilities for BASF’s superabsorbent polymer business. It is specifically designed to expedite the transition from product development to large-scale production. Equipped with state-of-the-art data collection and sensor technology, the facility leverages digitalization and advanced modeling to optimize product performance.

By situating the Excellence Center in close proximity to BASF’s superabsorbent production facility in Antwerp, the company is well-positioned to significantly reduce time-to-market. This strategic move is a testament to BASF’s commitment to delivering high-quality superabsorbent products efficiently and promptly to meet customer demands.

“This investment in a Superabsorbents Excellence Center in Antwerp highlights our commitment to innovation for the hygiene industry. With the pilot plant we want to provide new impulses to our customers and strengthen our leading role in the global Superabsorbents market,” said Marco Altmayer, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Business Development Petrochemicals, during the inauguration of the Superabsorbents Excellence Center.

Key Highlights of the Superabsorbents Excellence Center:

• Cutting-edge pilot plant designed to accelerate product development and scale-up.
• Utilization of advanced data collection, sensor technology, and digitalization for enhanced product performance.
• Close proximity to BASF’s superabsorbent production in Antwerp for streamlined operations.

Furthermore, the establishment of the pilot plant reinforces BASF’s dedication to its Verbund site in Antwerp. The Flemish government has recognized the center’s innovative nature and has generously granted €1.4 million in funding to support the development of this state-of-the-art process technology platform.

BASF remains at the forefront of chemical innovation, and the Superabsorbents Excellence Center in Antwerp is a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing technology and delivering superior products to the hygiene industry.

Jan Remeysen, Chief Executive Officer BASF Antwerpen NV, said: “The Superabsorbents Excellence Center is an investment in the future. We are pleased to play a big role in the production and development of Superabsorbents as a center of expertise and innovation. In addition, we appreciate the recognition and funding by the Flemish Government.”

About BASF’s Hygiene Business

BASF is a leading producer of superabsorbent polymers globally. As a leading partner to the global Hygiene industry, BASF is developing and producing superabsorbent polymers used in various hygiene applications such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene articles. Further information at hygiene.basf.com. BASF has a broad market access and a global production footprint for superabsorbent polymers. Operations are deeply integrated in BASF’s Verbund structures, enabling the company to leverage the full potential of its acrylics value chain.

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:

Ralph Lenges
Communications Petrochemicals
+49 621 60-42492
ralph.lenges@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF SE