BASF restarts Antwerp HIPS unit; on-spec product not yet achieved

30 September 2010 11:36  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--BASF’S high impact polystyrene (HIPS) production at Antwerp, Belgium, is back on stream but on-spec product has not yet been achieved, a company source said on Thursday.

The plant, BASF’s sole HIPS unit in Europe, was shut down for planned maintenance on 16 August. It was not brought back on line with the rest of the styrenics production in the week of 13 September due to technical issues.

The company declared force majeure on HIPS throughout Europe in the week of 20 September. Legal restrictions were thought to still be in place.

PS availability in Europe had been restricted in September and prices had risen accordingly.

HIPS net prices were in the mid-€1,300s/tonne ($1,781/tonne) FD (free delivered) NWE (northwest Europe) in September.

INEOS NOVA announced on Thursday a price increase of €30/tonne for October general purpose polystyrene (GPPS).

PS is used extensively in the packaging sector, with HIPS used in the manufacture of domestic appliances, toys and household goods.

PS producers in Europe include BASF, Styron, Total Petrochemicals, INEOS NOVA and Polimeri Europa.

($1 = €0.73)

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By: Linda Naylor
+44 20 8652 3214

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