BASF Petronas Chemicals to expand capacity for acrylic acid/butyl acrylate in Malaysia

Joint venture company between Germany’s BASF and Malaysia’s Petronas Chemicals, BASF Petronas Chemicals, plans to expand its production capacity of the acrylic acid plant and butyl acrylate plants at its Verbund site in Kuantan, Malaysia.

The capacity expansion is expected to come on stream by 2021. The expansion aims to support the growing demand for acrylic monomers in Asia Pacific.

Acrylic acid is used in the manufacturing of acrylic esters, superabsorbent polymers and water treatment chemicals, while butyl acrylate is mostly used in paints and coatings, adhesives and construction chemicals.

Incorporated in 1997, BASF Petronas operates an Integrated Verbund Site situated at the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Pahang. The company’s share capital is 60% held by BASF and 40% by PCG. Key products include acrylic monomers, oxo products, butanediol, 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid, highly reactive polyisobutene and aroma ingredients.