BASF has inaugurated the first phase of its new 42,000 t/y antioxidants plant at its Caojing site in Shanghai, China. The facility will produce antioxidants and associated forms and blends for the plastic additives market.

The German chemical giant said the units for powder blending, liquid antioxidants and formgiving are now operational.

Managing board member Markus Kamieth said the investment strengthens BASF’s position as the leading global supplier of antioxidants. As Asia is the world’s largest antioxidants market and China accounts for almost 65% that market, he said the group expects attractive growth rates in the medium to long term.

Antioxidants help prevent thermal oxidation reactions when plastics are processed at high temperatures

The new plant in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park will benefit from its proximity to BASF’s regional research and development center in Shanghai, which provides technical support to polymer producers across the region.

BASF is the only supplier of plastic additives with production sites in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.