BASF has commissioned a new production plant for form release agents at its Staßfurt, Germany, site after completing successful trial operations in July.

The new facility produces form release agents based on renewable raw materials as well as emulsions from renewable and non-renewable raw materials. These facilitate the easy removal of the concrete from its formwork while at the same time enhancing the surface of precast concrete elements and cast in place concrete.

Form release agents made from renewable raw materials are being recommended as an alternative to petrochemical-based agents, as they are not classified as hazardous and thus are not required to carry an Aspiration Hazard label, BASF said. Since June of this year the petrochemical products have been required to carry a label under the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

BASF’s form release agents are sold under the MasterFinish product name as part of the Master Builders Solutions umbrella brand. The world’s largest chemical producer also offers in-depth technical advice.

The new products provide excellent surface quality, are efficient and easy to use, and lower concrete manufacturers’ production costs when applied correctly, said Herwig Heegewaldt, responsible for BASF’s concrete admixtures business in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Philipp Kley, BASF’s senior vice president Construction Chemicals Europe, said the group identified the increasing demand for alternatives to mineral oil based release agents at an early stage, and aligned its research efforts accordingly. “This important investment is to strengthen our release agent business in the European marketplace and to help us achieve a leadership position,” he added.