06.19.18
BASF is strengthening its value chain for chelating agents in Ludwigshafen, Germany, with an investment in the double-digit millions in production plant and further development of the product portfolio. The latest investment follows a significant expansion of the company's capacities in Theodore, AL, and Ludwigshafen with a triple-digit million investment in 2015 and 2016.
“With this commitment, we support the growth of our customers and further consolidate our position as one of the leading suppliers of chelating agents in Europe. In addition, the further development of our product portfolio helps to meet the rising demand for sustainable and efficient concepts for our customers. For example, we are working continuously to develop advanced and high-performance applications for the detergent industry,” said Sören Hildebrandt, SVP, Home Care, I&I and Industrial Solutions Europe at BASF.
BASF identified the trend for sustainable solutions in global markets for chelating agents at an early stage. With the development of the chelating agent Trilon M (methyl glycine diacetic acid), the company entered the market with a sustainable alternative to phosphate and phosphonate, which contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats. The use of phosphate and phosphonate in dishwasher detergents has been banned since 2010 in various US states. Legislation restricting their use came into effect in Europe on Jan. 1, 2017.
Chelating agents are used in a wide variety of applications. In modern dishwasher tabs, chelating agents prevent and remove unsightly hard-water and food stains on dishes. They also enhance the cleansing effects of detergents and industrial and general-purpose cleaners and help in paper manufacture. In addition, chelating agents can be used as precursors in the manufacture of special fertilizers that release micronutrients in crops, thereby preventing soil salinization due to excess sulfate.
BASF produces chelating agents in Europe (Ludwigshafen, Germany), North America (Lima, OH, and Theodore, AL) and South America (Guaratinguetá, Brazil).
“With this commitment, we support the growth of our customers and further consolidate our position as one of the leading suppliers of chelating agents in Europe. In addition, the further development of our product portfolio helps to meet the rising demand for sustainable and efficient concepts for our customers. For example, we are working continuously to develop advanced and high-performance applications for the detergent industry,” said Sören Hildebrandt, SVP, Home Care, I&I and Industrial Solutions Europe at BASF.
BASF identified the trend for sustainable solutions in global markets for chelating agents at an early stage. With the development of the chelating agent Trilon M (methyl glycine diacetic acid), the company entered the market with a sustainable alternative to phosphate and phosphonate, which contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats. The use of phosphate and phosphonate in dishwasher detergents has been banned since 2010 in various US states. Legislation restricting their use came into effect in Europe on Jan. 1, 2017.
Chelating agents are used in a wide variety of applications. In modern dishwasher tabs, chelating agents prevent and remove unsightly hard-water and food stains on dishes. They also enhance the cleansing effects of detergents and industrial and general-purpose cleaners and help in paper manufacture. In addition, chelating agents can be used as precursors in the manufacture of special fertilizers that release micronutrients in crops, thereby preventing soil salinization due to excess sulfate.
BASF produces chelating agents in Europe (Ludwigshafen, Germany), North America (Lima, OH, and Theodore, AL) and South America (Guaratinguetá, Brazil).