BASF Signs MoU with UPC to supply 2-Ethylhexanol and N-Butanol

BASF has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPC Technology Corporation (UPC), reinforcing their established alliance. This strategic engagement is designed to enhance regional collaboration by focusing on the supply of plasticizer alcohols and catalysts for Phthalic Anhydride (PA) and Maleic Anhydride (MA). Additionally, the partnership aims to drive the development of sustainable solutions to lower carbon emissions across operations and products.

UPC, a prominent chemical firm within the MiTAC-Synnex Group, excels in producing plasticizers and phthalic anhydride. With its extensive manufacturing and operational infrastructure across Asia, UPC is actively expanding both its production capacity and product offerings to address shifting customer needs. As part of this expansion, BASF will support UPC by supplying 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) and N-Butanol from its new Oxo plant at the Zhanjiang Verbund site, set to commence operations in 2025.

This agreement significantly strengthens the partnership between BASF and UPC, laying a robust groundwork for advancing sustainable and innovative solutions. Through this collaboration, both companies will work together to promote BASF's low-carbon emission offerings, including its Biomass Balance (BMB) products. Additionally, they will focus on creating new products tailored to UPC's value chain. This joint effort aims to drive progress in environmental sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of the market, enhancing both companies' commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and fostering cutting-edge advancements in their respective fields.

Haibo Tian, Vice President of Industrial Petrochemicals Asia Pacific at BASF, emphasized the importance of the strategic agreement with UPC. He noted that this deal builds on their long-standing partnership in areas such as oxo-alcohols and catalysts for phthalic and maleic anhydrides. The upcoming start-up of oxo-alcohol production at BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund site in 2025 marks a significant milestone, promising to expand their collaboration. Tian expressed confidence that this development will allow BASF and UPC to enhance their partnership, delivering more innovative and sustainable solutions to the market.

Chris Wai, Vice President of Global Chemical Market Catalysts at BASF, highlighted the importance of the milestone achieved with UPC. He emphasized that this collaboration underscores BASF's dedication to delivering advanced solutions and high-quality products to their customers. Wai explained that by combining their innovation strengths and expertise in catalytic technologies, BASF aims to provide cutting-edge catalysts for phthalic anhydride (PA) and maleic anhydride (MA).

Ann Bih, President of UPC Group, highlighted the importance of the day as a significant milestone in their journey. She noted that their long-standing partnership with BASF has been grounded in mutual trust and shared objectives. This new strategic agreement represents a major step towards deeper collaboration between UPC and BASF. Moving forward, UPC plans to capitalize on BASF’s expertise in oxo-alcohols and catalysts to enhance their production of high-performance products.

BASF's Zhanjiang Verbund site represents a strategic cornerstone in the company's global operations. This substantial investment of approximately €10 billion will establish the site as BASF's largest production complex worldwide upon completion. Positioned as the company's third-largest Verbund site, following Ludwigshafen and Antwerp, Zhanjiang underscores BASF's commitment to the Asian market and its broader growth strategy.