-Superabsorbent polymers plant to be completed in 2014

-Partners plan to further invest in an acrylic acid plant and a butyl acrylate plant 

On May 24, 2012, BASF-YPC Company Limited broke ground today on a new superabsorbent polymers (SAP) plant in Nanjing. This milestone signifies BASF's commitments in bringing important chemicals to the China market that will support the development of more sustainable local industries. The 60,000-metric-ton SAP plant in Nanjing is planned to begin commercial operation in early 2014.

"With the expansion phase of BASF-YPC completed earlier this year, the site has started to unfold its true potential. With the groundbreaking for our new SAP plant, we are reaching yet another milestone and our celebration today demonstrates the value of the long-standing, strong and unique partnership between BASF and SINOPEC,” said Dr. Albert Heuser, President Asia Pacific of BASF, and Dr. Ma Qiulin, Chairman of Yangzi Petrochemical Company Limited. “Meanwhile, we are also planning to build a new acrylic acid facility as well as a new world-scale butyl acrylate plant.”

 "In China, consumers are showing a growing demand for these high-quality superabsorbent materials, making it interesting for companies like BASF and SINOPEC to invest in China to manufacture these products with the highest quality standards. The expectation is for this market to grow – and so this SAP plant is built to suit the anticipated demand,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, President of BASF-YPC Company Limited.

"Market success is always built on the highest values, principles and standards in the areas of safety, environment performance, energy savings and talent development here at BASF-YPC Company Limited.  We will continue to ensure these values and principles will continue to be at the core of everything that we do, including the SAP plant and other following investments. We trust our high-quality chemical products from these state-of-the-art plants will be an asset to the China market and its sustainable growth,” Dr. Kothrade added.

On the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony, the Company also indicates interests in further investments on an acrylic acid plant with a capacity of 160,000 tons per year and a butyl acrylate plant. 

Wide range of applications for superabsorbent polymers

Superabsorbent polymers are plastics with the capability to absorb and hold up to 500 times their own weight in liquid – even under pressure. The absorption drops to a still impressive figure of 50 times their weight in salty body fluids such as urine. The product is used in form of a white grainy powder, mainly to make baby diapers.