China’s First Isononanol Plant Important Feedstock for BASF's DINCH Plasticiser

German chemical giant BASF and Chinese energy and chemical company Sinopec—which stands for the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation—have taken important steps in the establishment of China's first ever isononanol (INA) plant. INA is a feedstock for BASF's popular DEHP-alternative plasticisers—diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and non-phthalate plasticiser Hexamoll DINCH (1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester). The two parties have completed a joint feasibiity study for plant construction in Maoming, Guangdong. The plant is expected to commence production in 2015.

Under the terms of the feasibility study, a new 50-50 joint venture will be formed, BASF MPCC Co. Ltd. Pre-approval has been received from the local authorities—the Maoming Administration of Industry and Commerce—for the name of the venture. The partners expect to begin production at the new plant around the middle of 2015.

The full integration of the new INA plant into the existing petrochemical site of MPCC in Maoming will allow for a comprehensive system for managing energy as well as minimising water use, emissions, and waste. The approval process has begun for the environmental impact assessment.

“The completion of the joint feasibility study marks an important milestone for our INA business, helping us serve the increasing demand for next-generation plasticisers in China. Integration into the MPCC operations also allows for a very competitive feedstock supply,” said Dr Albert Heuser, president for the Asia Pacific region at BASF.

INA is used as feedstock for the production of what BASF describes as next generation plasticizers, including diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and non-phthalate plasticizer Hexamoll DINCH.

BASF and Sinopec already jointly operate BASF-YPC Co Ltd (pictured), a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and Sinopec in Nanjing, China. As one of China's largest petrochemical joint ventures, it produces a wide range of high quality chemicals for the rapidly growing Chinese market.