- BASF will increase 1,6-Hexanediol (HDO) production capacity by over 50% at Ludwigshafen.
- Global HDO capacity will exceed 70,000 metric tons annually after the 2021 start-up.
- The expansion supports demand in automotive, furniture, and packaging industries.
- Additional capacity will mainly serve Europe and the growing Asian market.
Capacity Expansion
BASF plans to increase the production capacity of 1,6-Hexanediol (HDO) at its Ludwigshafen Verbund site by more than 50%. This expansion will raise BASF’s global annual HDO capacity to over 70,000 metric tons per year, with production facilities in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Freeport, Texas, United States.
Market Demand
The increased capacity aims to meet the growing global demand for high-quality HDO formulations, particularly in the automotive, furniture, and packaging industries. The expansion aligns with the trend towards high-performance and environmentally friendly technologies.
Regional Focus
The additional capacity at Ludwigshafen will primarily serve the strong European customer base and the rapidly growing Asian market. This investment is expected to provide customers with greater flexibility and reliability of supply.
Applications
HDO enhances end-products by providing hydrolysis resistance, flexibility, adhesion, and weatherability. It is used in industrial, automotive, wood, and leather coatings, polyurethane plastics, adhesives, and cosmetics. HDO also supports environmentally-friendly applications, including low volatile organic compound formulations for coatings and adhesives, and the production of reactive thinners for epoxy systems used in wind turbine rotor blades.
