Basf Doubles Polymer Dispersion Capacity in Dahej,India

Basf said it has completed the installation and start-up of a state-of-the-art acrylic dispersion production line in Dahej, India, to serve the coatings, construction, adhesives and paper industries in the South Asian market. Basf started manufacturing polymer dispersions in Dahej, India, in October 2014, and this new line will almost double its capacity. Basf is one of the leading producers and suppliers of acrylic and butadiene-containing dispersions in the Asia-pacific region.

"As a global supplier of polymer dispersions, we are committed to ensuring the availability of high-quality products to support our customers' expansion plans," said Milind Joshi, BasF Dispersion Director for South Asia. The South Asia market is one of the fastest growing sub-regions in the Asia Pacific region. Our clients are looking for global partners like BASF who bring innovation and expertise with their broad footprint to help them stand out in the marketplace."

The new production line complements the existing setup, It can produce the new dispersion technology under the Styronal® PLUS 7918, Styronal® ES series, Basonal® FCB, Acronal® EDGE, Acronal® PLUS and the new generation of Acronal® ECO product series.

Bir Darbar Mehta, SENIOR Vice President, Dispersion, BasF Asia Pacific, said, "In architectural polymers and architectural coatings, our innovations continue to offer more functionality, including sustainable features, and improved durability, driving the industry upmarket. For example, our DurA-Color adhesive for exterior wall paint gives exterior wall paint formulations excellent stain resistance and COLOR retention. In the case of paper coatings, we continue to promote solutions that improve usage costs. Styronal® PLUS 7918 is our high-strength product that dramatically reduces adhesive use."

Narayan Krishnamohan, Managing Director of BASF India Limited and head of BASF Group India, said: "Decentralisation is an important part of our business in India and this project reflects our commitment to the Indian market and customers in the country."

The facility in Dahej, Gujarat, is an integrated centre for polyurethane manufacturing with production facilities for polymer dispersions and care chemicals. Basf also manufactures dispersions at Mangalore, a manufacturing site in southern India.