BASF Expands Capacity To Meet Demand for LYNX Catalysts

BASF Catalysts  has completed a significant debottlenecking and expansion project to meet the growing global demand for its current and new polypropylene catalysts. The increased capacity is specifically targeted for producing the company’s LYNX polypropylene catalyst at its production facility in Pasadena, Texas.

“Although current economic conditions are challenging and have impacted polyolefins demand, our long-term outlook for global polyolefin catalysts growth remains strong,” said George Vann, BASF Polyolefin Catalysts Global Business Director.  “Completion of this project further enables BASF to be a strong, reliable partner to the market now and in the future.”

BASF’s LYNX polypropylene catalyst technologies are utilized commercially in most major polypropylene process technologies, including slurry, bulk loop, stirred gas, fluid gas, and stirred bulk. The catalyst technology’s characteristic consistent particle morphology and narrow particle size distribution provide the ability to realize the full capability of each process. LYNX catalysts have gained widespread market acceptance due to their high efficiency, high activity and control of crystallinity, and stiffness to desired levels.

The Pasadena site manufactures and distributes polyolefin catalysts for the chemical industry, and is also engaged in the development of new catalyst manufacturing processes and the production of developmental quantities of new catalysts.

BASF’s polyolefin catalysts are used to make polypropylene and polyethylene. Polypropylene is the primary material in most plastic food containers and is used in carpeting and many other textile products. Polyethylene is used to make a wide array of products, including plastic milk bottles, detergent bottles, plastic bags and toys.

The new capacity will help BASF better service customers around the world, and strengthen the company’s ability to help customers be more successful in their own businesses.  “No matter where a customer is in the world, we’re making sure that BASF polyolefins catalysts will be available,” said Vann.

The project was completed as projected, on time in the fourth quarter 2008, and is already on line and in use to serve customers.