- BASF is increasing alkoxylation capacity in Antwerp and Ludwigshafen from Q2 2023.
- The expansion adds over 150,000 metric tons per year.
- The project includes a second ethylene oxide production line in Antwerp.
- Alkoxylates are used in detergents, cleaners, automotive, and construction industries.
Capacity Expansion
BASF is increasing its alkoxylation capacity at its Antwerp, Belgium, and Ludwigshafen, Germany, sites starting from the second quarter of 2023. This expansion will add over 150,000 metric tons per year, significantly benefiting European customers by enhancing supply security and flexibility.
Strategic Importance
The expansion strengthens BASF's position in Europe and opens up growth opportunities in various markets, including detergents and cleaners, automotive, and construction industries. This move is in response to the long-term increase in demand for alkoxylates.
Project Details
Most of the capacity increase is part of the expansion of ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide derivatives at the Antwerp Verbund site. This includes investment in a second world-scale ethylene oxide production line, along with purified ethylene oxide capacity.
Applications
Alkoxylation is used to produce surfactants for home care and industrial cleaning applications. BASF customers use these surfactants in laundry detergents, cleaning agents, and dishwashing products. Alkoxylates are also utilized in technical applications such as superplasticizer production, emulsion polymerization emulsifiers, crop protection additives, and polyurethane foams for the automotive and construction industries.
