BASF plans changes to its butanediol value chain and plasticizers business
At the same time BASF plans to close down several production facilities at its site in Feluy, Belgium, where the company no longer considers it possible to competitively manufacture phthalic anhydride, plasticizers, fumaric acid and butanediol derivatives. Maleic anhydride will, however, continue to be produced at the site. This move is being planned in view of the stagnation of European markets, excess capacities around the world, and the unfavorable cost structure of the Feluy site.
European producers and customers have increasingly been replacing the plasticizer DEHP with alternative products, in particular with C9 and C10 phthalates. This has caused the DEHP market to decrease by 50 percent since 2000.
The restructuring in Europe will have no effect on BASF's plasticizer portfolio in NAFTA and Asia, where the company will continue to offer 2-EH and DEHP.
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