BASF will invest in a world-scale production site for acrylic acid, butyl acrylate and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil. It will be the first acrylic acid and superabsorbents plant in South America. With an investment volume of more than €500 million, it is the largest investment in BASF’s century-long history in South America.

In addition, BASF will start to produce 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate, an important raw material for the adhesives and special coatings industries, in its existing chemical complex in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo. This will be the first plant for this product in South America.

With the new acrylic acid complex, BASF aims to ensure the supply for important products as: superabsorbents for diapers, acrylic resins for coatings, textiles and adhesives and products for civil construction.

The Camaçari location is being chosen based on the availability of raw materials (propylene) and utilities provided by Braskem S.A., the major chemical company in Brazil and the strategic supplier for BASF in this project.

The construction of the new acrylic acid complex will start in 2011. Production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014. The production for 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate in Guaratinguetá is expected to start in 2015 on the basis of acrylic acid produced in Camaçari.

Acrylic acid is an important precursor in the value chain of super-absorbent polymers, the active component of baby diapers and other hygiene products. Acrylic esters, the most important derivatives of acrylic acid, are used to produce adhesive raw materials, construction chemicals and architectural coatings such as Suvinil, BASF’s decorative coatings brand in South America and the leader in the premium segment in Brazil.