BASF Commissions New Plant for Oxidized Polyethylene Waxes at Ludwigshafen Site

LUDWIGSHAVEN, Germany, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Improved availability of oxidized polyethylene waxes
• Integrated plant forms part of a sustainable production concept within the Verbund site that conserves resources

A new plant for the manufacture of oxidized polyethylene waxes went into operation at the BASF site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The plant manufactures high quality oxidized waxes according to BASF's own process. The new plant will improve the availability on oxidized polyethylene waxes now and in the future, for instance in plastics processing.

The new plant fits perfectly into the integrated supply network for raw materials and energy at BASF's Ludwigshafen site. The low-density polyethylene wax that forms the basis of the oxidized waxes comes directly from the site's own polymerization plants. "As well as extending the capacity, we have also invested in modernizing the existing plant for polyethylene waxes," said Dr. Stefan Beckmann, Senior Vice President Home Care & Formulation Technologies Europe. "Demand for high-quality waxes and oxidized waxes is growing world-wide due to the increased production and processing of plastics," said Dr.Beckmann. "We will be able to satisfy this increasing demand when the new oxidation plant for waxes in Ludwigshafen goes into operation."

BASF supplies its high-quality waxes world-wide to markets with specialized demands. Waxes in the form of powder, fine powder, granules and pastilles are marketed under the Luwax® brand, and liquid emulsions are available under the Poligen® trademark.

Versatile range of applications

Oxidized polyethylene waxes are used as lubricants in the processing of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride to prevent the plastic from sticking to the hot surfaces in the machinery, which saves energy and enhances the material properties of products such as PVC pipes and profiles.

Oxidized polyethylene waxes can also be emulsified in water. Wax emulsions are applied as finishes to textiles in order to obtain a smoother surface in order to make them easier to sew and to make them more resistant to linting and pilling. Polyethylene waxes are used in polishes applied to shoes, furniture, floors and car body work and wax emulsions to protect the surface, to provide gloss or to enhance safety by increasing the slip resistance. Addition of wax emulsions to the coating of glossy magazines protects the surface against ink rub-off. A thin layer of wax can also be applied to the skin of citrus fruit to prevent it from drying out and becoming bruised.

About Home Care & Formulation Technologies Europe

BASF´s Home Care & Formulation Technologies Europe business unit develops, produces and markets a comprehensive range of products for detergent & cleaners, as well as for industrial and chemical applications. The portfolio includes surfactants, polymers, chelating agents, biocides, optical effect products, stabilizers, wax and wax emulsions, silicates and metal surface treatment products. Home Care & Formulation Technologies Europe is part of BASF´s Care Chemicals division.

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com.

Dr. Ruth Wirschem
Tel.: +49-621-60 72934
Fax: +49-621-60 6672934
ruth.wirschem@basf.com

Karen Gallacher Smythe
Tel.: +971-50-4594713
karen.gallacher@basf.com