BASF biodegradable plastics expansion

BASF is to carry out a major expansion of its capacity for Ecoflex biodegradable polymer by the third quarter of 2010, the group announced today.

The programme will raise capacity for the petrochemical-based copolyester material by 60,000tpa from the current figure of 14,000tpa at its Ludwigshafen site.

The material processes in a similar fashion to polyethylene and is fully biodegradable in accordance with DIN EN 13432 requirements.

The resin investment will be accompanied by expansion of the site’s compounding capability where BASF’s more recently introduced Ecovio product, which incorporates 45% of renewable-based PLA, is made.

The group’s head of Specialty Polymers, Dr Michael Stumpp, said that demand for biodegradable and biobased plastics is growing at rates of more than 20% a year.

He said: “Ecoflex, our successful biodegradable polyester, and the innovation Ecovio are already giving us significant participation in this growing market. The new production capacities will substantially strengthen and consolidate our position.”

Target markets for the Ecoflex and Ecovio materials include carrier bags, compostable can liners, mulch film and food wrapping.