BASF is significantly expanding compounding capacity for its Ultramid PA and PBT in Asia to meet demand from automotive industry customers. Additionally, it is widening output of thermoplastic urethanes capacity.

When all expansions in China and Korea are on stream, the group's overall compounding capability in Asia will rise from 130,000 t/y to 225,000 t/y.

According to an automotive industry report, more than 42 million cars were sold in Asia-Pacific in 2013, including more than 20 million in China, the world's largest market. The number is foreseen to increase to 33 million in China and 62 million in Asia-Pacific by 2020.

At its Pudong site in Shanghai, China, BASF has nearly doubled compounding capability from 45,000 t/y to 110,000 t/y. Base polymer for the compounds will continue to be imported from Europe until new plants for virgin polymer go on stream in nearby Shanghai Chemical Industry Park.

Also at Pudong, the world's largest chemical producer has started up three new plants for its Elastollan TPU. On completion of the - unquantified -expansions output is scheduled to be doubled, to support the rapidly growing market for textile, footwear, transportation, wire and cable sheathing and other industrial applications.

In Yesan, Korea, BASF has held groundbreaking ceremonies for a 36,000 t/y expansion of PA and PBT compounding capacity, which will double output there by the end of 2015. Alongside the automotive industry, the Korean E&E sector is an important customer.