BASF Breaks Ground on Methyl Glycol Plant at Zhanjiang Verbund Site, China

BASF has commenced the construction of a methyl glycols (MG) facility at its integrated site in Zhanjiang, China. With an annual capacity of 46,000 metric tons, the new facility is strategically positioned to address the surging demand for brake fluids within the region. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, the plant aims to cater to the evolving needs of the market.

Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Petrochemicals Asia Pacific at BASF, highlighted the significance of this new facility, noting that it will stand as the only fully backward integrated methyl glycols plant linked with a steam cracker in China, catering to the swiftly growing brake fluids market. "Employing BASF's distinctive process technology, the plant is poised to deliver consistent, cost-effective, and top-notch products to fulfill the requirements of our downstream business partners and clientele."

Matthias Lang, Vice President of Business Management for Fuel & Lubricant Solutions Asia Pacific and Performance Chemicals Greater China at BASF, underscored the company's standing as a key player in the automotive fluids domain. He emphasized BASF's track record of delivering superior quality products and unparalleled services to its esteemed collaborators within the brake fluid industry. Lang further emphasized the significance of this capacity expansion in affirming BASF's dedication to supporting the burgeoning Asian automotive sector, particularly in China, where the demand for premium-grade products continues to surge.

The upcoming methyl glycols plant is slated to manufacture methyl diglycol (MDG), methyl triglycol (MTG), and methyl tetraglycol (MTEG) by utilizing methanol and purified ethylene oxide (PEO) as feedstocks. Of particular importance, methyl triglycol serves as the primary precursor for the production of advanced brake fluids extensively utilized across the automotive industry.

BASF's Petrochemicals division serves as the cornerstone of the company's global petrochemical-driven value chains. Operating from a strategically competitive asset base, BASF leverages state-of-the-art technologies to establish industry benchmarks in safety, sustainability, operational excellence, and cost efficiency. With six integrated Verbund sites and numerous major production facilities, BASF maintains proximity to its clientele and remains entrenched in the world's largest chemical markets.

BASF leads the way in advancing chemistry for a sustainable future, blending economic growth with environmental responsibility and social integrity. With approximately 112,000 employees worldwide, the BASF Group collaboratively drives the success of customers across nearly every sector and geographic region. The company's diverse portfolio encompasses six key segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. Through these segments, BASF delivers innovative solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of industries, fostering progress and sustainability on a global scale.