Under a new agreement, Haldor Topsoe will include BASF’s simulation tool, OASE in its Clearview Ammonia connected service. With this, both the companies aim to provide ammonia producers with a better simulation of their plant operations in order to optimise their production.

The energy-efficient amine gas treatment technology Oase sulfexx is expected to assist petroleum refiners and gas processors meet regulatory requirements of the future, reduce operating costs and increase capacity. The technology is capable of selectively removing hydrogen sulfide, while minimising co-absorption of CO2 from gas streams.

2015 was the year of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Mergers and acquisitions increased by 43 % worldwide to a new record value of 4.5 billion dollars as compared to the previous year. PROCESS presents the biggest deals of the previous 18 months in detail.

BASF expands its capacities for high molecular weight polyisobutene (HM PIB) to support growth of global market. Therefore BASF has acquired intellectual property for a new manufacturing process of high molecular weight polyisobutene from Lanxess.

BASF has announced that its process catalysts manufacturing facility will be ceasing operations at its Erie site in 2021 due to non-profitable operations in the long term despite heavy investments. The move is in line with the firm’s long-term business plans.

Dr. Kurt Bock succeeds Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht and has been selected as the new chairman of the Supervisory Board of BASF. Earlier, he had also been elected to the Supervisory Board as a shareholder representative.

Allthough the low oil price troubles the US shale industry, chemicals giant BASF continues its plants for a propylene Megaplant in the US: The company has chosen Freeport., Texas, as the site for its latest methane-based propylene complex.

Trinami X, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF, recently announced the launch of a mobile near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy solution. Spectroscopy is a well-proven analysis method that the company now makes affordable and accessible beyond factory and laboratory applications.

BASF’s 10 billion dollar project has commenced piling work for the development of the first plants which are expected to produce engineering plastics and thermoplastic polyurethane for the domestic and Asian market.

The demand for alternatives to lead chromate pigments is increasing. BASF reacts to this trend and is is going to significantly increase its production capacities of bismuth vanadate pigments in Besigheim near Stuttgart/Germany. The additional capacities will be available as of 2017.