BASF supplies plasticizer alcohols and catalysts to UPC

BASF and UPC have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking an important step in their long-term collaboration. The strategic partnership aims to promote long-term regional cooperation, focusing on the supply of plasticizer alcohols and catalysts for phthalic anhydride (PA) and maleic anhydride (MA), while developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in operations and products.

UPC is a leading chemical company under MiTAC that specializes in plasticizers and phthalic anhydride. With manufacturing and operational facilities across Asia, UPC is currently expanding its production capacity and product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of its customers. BASF will supply 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) and n-butanol from the integrated site in Zhanjiang, when the plant comes on stream in 2025, to meet the fast-growing market demand of UPC, especially in South China.

"This milestone is an important step in our collaboration with UPC. It also demonstrates BASF's strong commitment to providing customers with cutting-edge solutions and high-quality products," said Chris Wai, Vice President of Catalysts, Global Chemicals Market, BASF, "Our goal is to leverage our innovative strengths and expertise in developing catalytic technologies to provide the most advanced phthalic anhydride and maleic anhydride catalysts, contributing to the stable daily operations of our customers' plants, driving sustainable development and achieving business success."

Ann Bih, Group General Manager of UPC, said: “Today is an important milestone in the development of UPC. Our long-term partnership with BASF is based on mutual trust and common goals, and this strategic agreement will pave the way for more comprehensive cooperation between the two companies. In the future development, our goal is to leverage BASF’s expertise in synthetic alcohols and catalysts to enhance our ability to produce high-performance products. Together, we will explore new avenues for innovation and sustainable development to ensure that we meet the changing needs of customers and the industry.”

This collaboration not only further strengthens the cooperation between BASF and UPC, but also lays a solid foundation for the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for both parties. The two parties will jointly promote BASF's low-carbon emission products, such as biomass balance products, and develop new products that are in line with the value chain of UPC.

After completion, the investment in the Zhanjiang integrated base will reach 10 billion euros, which is BASF's largest investment project to date. The base will be fully operated by BASF and will become BASF's third largest integrated base in the world after Ludwigshafen, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium.