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BASF Inaugurates New NPG Plant at Zhanjiang Verbund Site, Launches NEOL® NPG with Reduced Carbon Footprint

Zhanjiang, China | October 20, 2025: BASF’s Intermediates division has inaugurated a new neopentyl glycol (NPG) plant at its Zhanjiang Verbund site, marking a major milestone in sustainable chemical production. The new facility adds 80,000 metric tons of annual capacity, increasing BASF’s total NPG output to 335,000 metric tons per year and strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading NPG manufacturers.

NPG is primarily used in powder coating resins and plays a key role in reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional liquid coatings. The first customer delivery was completed in October 2025.

Simultaneously, BASF has launched NEOL® Neopentylglycol solution 90% rPCF AP, a version of NPG with a reduced product carbon footprint (rPCF). Preliminary studies show that NPG produced at the Zhanjiang site has a lower carbon footprint than BASF’s other NPG plants in Asia, thanks to its efficient production technologies, Verbund integration, low-carbon feedstocks, and the use of 100% renewable electricity.

“The new NPG plant bolsters our local production footprint by strengthening our speed and responsiveness to increasing customer demand for eco-friendly powder coating resins across Asia Pacific. This represents an important step toward our vision of being the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates,” said Michael Becker, Senior Vice President, Intermediates Asia Pacific, BASF.

Beyond powder coatings, NPG is also used in lubricants, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen, underlining its importance across multiple industrial sectors.

About BASF Intermediates

BASF’s Intermediates division is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of chemical intermediates. With a portfolio of more than 600 products—including amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids, and specialties—the division provides solutions for industries ranging from coatings and plastics to pharmaceuticals and crop protection. The business focuses on CO₂ management and renewable product innovations, supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals through efficient, low-carbon solutions.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. With around 112,000 employees worldwide, BASF operates across six major segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2024, BASF reported sales of €65.3 billion.

For more information, visit www.basf.com