BASF has started up a 60,000 t/y plant for its general purpose PVC plasticizer DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate), branded as Palatinol, at Pasadena, Texas.

The German chemical giant said it is reacting to growing demand for non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers in North America, and the investment strengthens its position as a reliable supplier. The product will be sold to producers of vinyl film and sheet for flooring, coated fabrics, and wire and cable coatings.

To secure consistent raw material availability for the plasticizer plant, BASF said it has also started up a 100,000 t/y oxo alcohol unit for 2-EH (2-ethylhexanol) at the Pasadena site, while also “strengthening the reliability” of its 2-EHA (2-ethylhexyl acrylate) production at the Freeport, Texas, site.

“The new capacities provide increased potential for BASF in the non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers market,” said Heather Remley, senior vice president, Petrochemicals North America.

As part of its plasticizer production network, the group also has a broad portfolio of other products, including general-purpose plasticizers and specialty plasticizers such as adipates, polymerics, and trimellitates.