BASF expands APG capacity at Ohio site

POLAND: Polish biofuels producer ORLEN Południe is using BASF technology to convert glycerol – a by-product of biodiesel production – into renewable propylene glycol (BioPG) at its new 30,000 tonnes/year plant in Trzebinia, BASF said on 16 May.

BioPG is used to produce polyester resins, polyurethanes, paints and de-icing solutions, solvents for the food industry, and deodorant sticks and toothpaste.

ORLEN Południe is the first Polish producer of propylene glycol and aims to meet 75% of the country’s propylene glycol needs, according to BASF, which said it also supplied the H9-66 catalyst for the facility and Air Liquide Engineering & Construction provided the licence, basic engineering, and equipment for the plant.

German chemical and biotech giant BASF said on 6 June that it would expand its production capacity for alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) at its site Cincinnati, Ohio (pictured).

Due to start in 2025, the expanded capacity would strengthen the company’s production footprint in the USA, allowing it to increase local supply points and reduce cross-regional volume flows for North American APG customers, BASF said.

APGs are commonly used in home care formulations involving skin contact, such as washing up liquids, shower gels and shampoos, as well as applications including facial cleansing, oral care and personal care. In addition, they are used in the food industry and agro-chemical sectors.

BASF’s APGs are made from fatty alcohols derived from sustainable palm kernel oil or coconut oil, and glucose from wheat or corn – nongenetically-modified (GMO) sources – in Europe.

The company’s 100% plant-based APG range, traded as Plantacare, has been developed for the cosmetics industry.

BASF currently produces

APGs in Dusseldorf, Germany; Cincinnati, USA; and Jinshan, China. Its Cincinnati site produces a range of products for personal care, detergents and agriculture applications. BASF said the expansion of North American regional production capacity was driven by growing global demand.