BASF Coatings Expands Polyester and Polyurethane Resin Capacity in Shanghai

BASF’s Coatings division has successfully expanded its polyester and polyurethane resin capacity at its Caojing site in Shanghai. Initially established in 2015 with an annual capacity of 8,000 metric tons of polyester and polyurethane resins, the plant has now more than tripled its capacity to 18,800 metric tons/year.

In addition, BASF’s Coatings business plans to increase the production of electrophoretic paint binders by optimizing processes at the Caojing site starting in early 2026. This strategic move will strengthen BASF’s Coatings business’ leading position in the dynamic automotive coatings market and enable the company to better support the growth of all coatings used by automotive OEMs and parts manufacturers in Asia Pacific over the next decade.

“The increased resin production capacity and the addition of binder capacity will improve our supply reliability and enable us to meet the growing demand for automotive OEM coatings in the region. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to local production and our ability to respond quickly to customer needs,” said Patrick Zhao, Senior Vice President, Global Automotive OEM Coatings, BASF.

BASF Caojing Resin Plant is located in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park and serves the automotive coatings industry in China and Asia Pacific. The plant produces a range of coating raw materials, including acrylic resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, electrophoretic coating binders and intermediate grinding resins. Notably, the plant is highly automated and powered by 100% renewable energy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the successful operation of the resin plant.

“Over the past decade, the Caojing plant has set a benchmark in safe operation, innovation and sustainable development,” said Hou Jinhua, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Management Committee. “Shanghai Chemical Industry Park is committed to providing a high-quality development environment and all-round support, including energy supply and comprehensive utilities, to important partners such as BASF.”