BASF has begun production of its first bio-based polyol, Sovermol, in Mangalore, India. This product serves the fast-growing demand of eco-friendly products for applications in New Energy Vehicles (NEV), windmills, flooring and protective industrial coatings in Asia Pacific.

Utilizing the existing facilities at BASF’s Mangalore site, the Sovermol production facility is now operational after comprehensive planning and construction.

“At BASF, we leverage our global know-how and competence to serve our markets most effectively. Asia Pacific is the world’s fastest growing market for NEV and coatings. The Sovermol production facility is strategically located in Mangalore, close to raw materials supply. This will significantly reduce transportation time and contributes to our ambition to bring “best-in-class” products and services efficiently to our customers in Asia Pacific,” said Dr. Claus Dallner, Senior Vice President, Global Business Unit Resins and Additives, BASF.

“We continuously strive to improve our technology and operations to achieve business success. The project demonstrates our capability to make continuous improvements, by remodeling our operations at the Mangalore site,” said Dr. Alba Mena Subiranas, Vice President of Operations, Global Business Unit Resins and Additives, BASF.

Sourced from renewable materials, Sovermol contains zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). Sovermol products are used to produce sustainable coatings and adhesives for various industries, enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprint and to save resources.

The BASF site in Mangalore has been in operation since 1996. Spread across more than 200 hectares, it is BASF’s largest production facility in South Asia and produces polymer dispersions, fine chemical catalysts and coatings for paper, agriculture and automotive industries.