BASF is investing in the expansion and flexibilization of its production facilities to manufacture chelating agents at its site in Ludwigshafen. By increasing the production capacity, the company is responding to the rapidly growing global demand for its chelating agents, such as the readily biodegradable Trilon M (methylglycinediacetic acid) for use in detergents and cleaners. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

Trilon M is a special high-performance alternative to phosphate in automatic dishwashing detergents and is readily biodegradable. EU regulations stipulate that phosphate will be virtually prohibited for this application in Europe from 2017 on. In the US, 16 states have already banned phosphate in this application since 2010. Therefore, manufacturers of cleaning products are currently seeking suitable alternatives to this ingredient. “The market for more environmentally friendly detergents and cleaners is growing substantially,” said Jens Kroker, Senior Vice President Home Care and Formulation Technologies Europe. “The expanded capacities for chelating agents at our Ludwigshafen site enable us to respond to the increasing demand in Europe.” The first additional capacities of Trilon M will be available as of the 3rd quarter of 2015.

In addition to capacity expansions, production processes will be made more flexible and the company will invest in infrastructure. “The investment in new tanks and filling stations allows us to flexibilize our production. We are thus in a better position to respond to our customers’ demand for different chelating agents and product forms required for their respective application,” said Kroker.

BASF currently produces its chelating agents at its site in Ludwigshafen/Germany, in Lima/Ohio, and in Guaratinguetá/Brazil. Another world-scale plant for Trilon M is under construction in Theodore/Alabama. This new plant is scheduled to be commissioned in the 4th quarter of 2015. With the increased production in Ludwigshafen and the construction in Theodore/Alabama BASF will enhance its global capacity for chelating agents to 170,000 metric tons per year.

Trilon M is globally available in liquid and solid form. Chelating agents reduce the concentration of water hardness ions in aqueous solutions, thereby enhancing the cleaning efficiency of detergents and dishwashing products as well as for cleaners in industrial & institutional applications.