BASF and top universities jointly develop new process improving the bioavailability of active ingredients. The Supersonic spray-drying process yields stable and soluble amorphous nanoparticles.

BASF has launched a proprietary new Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) additive designed for butylene selectivity in refineries. The product called Evolve improves butylene yields while preserving unit conversion and valuable fuels yields when compared to existing technologies, the company claims.

Shell is lifting its petrochemicals production: A new 140,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) high-purity ethylene oxide purification unit and a new 140,000 tpa ethoxylates unit are supplying local and regional customers.

BASF inaugurated their first isononanol (INA) plant in China to serve growing demand for next-generation plasticizers. The plant has annual production capacity of 180,000 metric tons of INA.

BASF Mexicana has completed the previously announced sale of a portion of its oleochemical surfactants business in Mexico to Stepan CDMX.

Linde officially has opened its new Pilot Reformer research facility at Pullach near Munich, Linde’s largest location worldwide. The reformer will be used to refine steam reforming technology for the production of synthesis gas — a mixture consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The carbon feedstock for synthesis gas can be in the form of natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, naphtha or even carbon dioxide.

For BASF Nigeria is a particularly dynamic growing market for construction chemicals in West Africa. The new production plant for concrete additives in Lagos/Nigeria will help the construction industry to become less dependent on imports and reduce long lead times for supplies. Besides Nigeria BASF concentrates on neighboring west African countries, too.

Basf will be offering its customers in Europe GPPS (general purpose polystyrene) from its production facility in Ludwigshafen.

Praxair’s Southeast Louisiana pipeline network is supplying hydrogen and is being used by Marathon Petroleum in an ultra-low-sulfur diesel project.

Dr. Stefan Blank, Dr. Andrea Frenzel, Ralph Schweens and Manfredo Rübens have been appointed in their new roles.