Expansion

BASF SE is planning a significant expansion of its production plant for the biodegradable plastic Ecoflex at its Ludwigshafen, Germany site.  Ecoflex is a petrochemicals-based plastic that has the properties of conventional polyethylene, but is fully biodegradable in accordance with DIN EN 13432 requirements.  This expansion will raise current production levels from 14,000 metric tons/year to 60,000 metric tons/year.  Production at the expanded plant will start in the third quarter of 2010.  BASF also plans to increase production capacity of the compounding facility in Ludwigshafen where the newly developed Ecovio is manufactured.  Ecovio, a derivative of Ecoflex, contains 45% by weight of the renewable raw material polylactic acid (PLA).  Containing PLA means that Ecovio is not only biodegradable, but also largely bio-based.  PLA is a material obtained from corn.  Both Ecoflex and Ecovio are used to make carrier bags, compostable can liners, mulch film, food wrapping and other materials.

Chloromethanes plant

Dow Europe GmbH and Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) have signed a joint venture agreement for the construction, operation and ownership of a 200 kilotons/year chloromethanes manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India.  The agreement allows Dow and GACL to complete a study, begin work on definitive agreements and work toward financial closure, which is estimated for completion by the end of this year.  The new facility is targeted for operations in 2011.  Chloromethanes are used as an intermediate in the production of fluorocarbons and fluoropolymers as well as a solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, metal cleaning/degreasing and other chemical-processing applications.  GACP will supply feedstock and power and lease land to the joint venture with Dow licensing its production technology and marketing and sales expertise.

Research center

Syngenta plans to build a new biotech research and technology center in Beijing, China.  It plans to invest $65 million in the lab’s first five years of activity.  The center will focus on early-stage evaluation of genetically modified and native traits for corn and soy in the areas of yield improvement, drought resistance, disease control and biomass conversion for biofuels.  The new facilities will be completed in 2010, however adjacent temporary facilities are expected to start operations this summer.