BASF completed the installation and start-up of a state-of-the-art acrylic dispersions production line in Dahej, India, serving the coatings, construction, adhesives, and paper industries for the South Asian markets. BASF began production of polymer dispersions in Dahej, India in October 2014, and this additional production line will almost double its capacity.

BASF is one of the leading producers and suppliers of acrylics and butadiene-containing dispersions in the Asia Pacific region. “As a global supplier for polymer dispersions, we are committed to ensuring the supply of high-quality products, supporting our customers’ expansion plans. The South Asian market is one of the fast-growing sub-regions within the Asia Pacific region. Our customers are looking for global partners like BASF, who can bring innovation and expertise with its extensive footprint to help them differentiate in their markets,” said Milind Joshi, Director, Dispersions South Asia at BASF.

The new production line complements the existing setup and allows the production of new dispersions technologies under Styronal® PLUS 7918, Styronal® ES series, Basonal® FCB, Acronal® EDGE, Acronal® PLUS, and next-generation Acronal® ECO product ranges. “In construction polymers and architectural coatings, our innovations continue to deliver increased functionality including sustainability features, as well as durability improvement, driving premiumization of the industry. For instance, our DURA-COLOR binders for exterior coatings enable formulations of exterior paints with outstanding dirt pick-up resistance and color retention. In paper coatings for example, we continue to drive improved cost-in-use solutions. Styronal® PLUS 7918 is our high-strength product that allows a substantial reduction of binder usage,” said Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Dispersions Asia Pacific, BASF.

“Dispersions is an important business for us in India, and this project reflects our commitment to the Indian market and our customers in the country,” said Narayan Krishnamohan, Managing Director, BASF India Limited and Head of BASF Group Companies in India.

The site in Dahej, Gujarat is an integrated hub for polyurethane manufacturing which houses production facilities for polymer dispersions as well as care chemicals. BASF also produces dispersions in Mangalore, a production site in the southern part of India.