BASF to produce Palatinol® DOTP in North America

• Pasadena, Texas facility to start production in 2017

HOUSTON, TX, October 28, 2015 – BASF is planning to start production of Palatinol® DOTP (diethylhexyl terephthalate) in North America in 2017 by investing in dedicated production facilities in Pasadena, Texas. The project will help meet the growing demand for non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers in North America, and will strengthen BASF's position in this fast-growing market.

BASF will convert production from its current general-purpose plasticizer, Palatinol DPHP (dipropyl heptyl phthalate) and DINP (di-isononyl phthalate), to Palatinol DOTP at the facility. Palatinol DOTP, a terephthalate, is an alternative to traditional ortho-phthalates that is used in many general purpose applications. With Palatinol DOTP in its portfolio BASF will be able to serve regional customers according to market dynamics in North America, while continuing to ensure the availability of consistently high quality plasticizers.

BASF will convert 2-PH (2-propylheptanol) production to 2-EH (2-ethylhexanol) to generate reliable raw material integration for Palatinol DOTP. BASF will continue to market DPHP and DINP in North America, importing both products from its global production network. In addition, BASF will discontinue the manufacture of phthalic anhydride molten at the facility. Conversion is planned to begin this year, and startup of Palatinol DOTP is set for early 2017.

“By adding Palatinol DOTP to our current range of plasticizers in North America, BASF will be better positioned to meet our customers’ current and future needs,” said Heidi Alderman, Senior Vice President, Petrochemicals North America. “Production at our Pasadena, Texas facility will position BASF as a valued supplier and reliable partner for plasticizers in North America.”

BASF is a leading producer of plasticizers globally. Its portfolio includes general-purpose plasticizers, as well as specialty plasticizers such as adipates, polymerics, or trimellitates. Manufacturers use plasticizers to soften rigid PVC (polyvinylchloride) and make it flexible. Palatinol DOTP is a non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer used by producers of vinyl film and sheet for applications including flooring, coated fabrics, and wire and cable coatings. BASF offers the non-phthalate plasticizer, Hexamoll® DINCH® for sensitive applications such as toys, medical devices, food packaging or indoor applications like wall covering.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20.6 billion in 2014. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

P-US-15-190