BASF will increase the production capacity for its medium-molecular weight polyisobutenes, marketed under the tradename OPPANOL® B, at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, by 25%. The investment comes in response to the rising global demand for high-quality medium-molecular weight polyisobutenes.

“With this step we are further strengthening BASF’s position as a reliable supplier that strongly supports growth and the demanding requirements of customers in various industries,” says Lena Adam, Senior Vice President, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, BASF SE.

Medium-molecular weight polyisobutenes are essential performance components for products in a variety of industries including the automotive, construction, electronics as well as the food & packaging industry. Applications, for example, may include surface protective films, window sealants, binder material for batteries and food packaging solutions.

“The additional production capacity for our medium-molecular weight OPPANOL® B polyisobutenes will enable our customers to grow with innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development, for example, in energy-efficient housing. Building on our backward integration into key raw materials we will be leveraging the full strength of BASF as a global leader in polyisobutene,” explains Dr. Tanja Rost, Vice President, Global Marketing and Product Development, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, BASF SE.

The capacity expansion is expected to reach full completion by the first half of 2025.