BASF cuts capro output to 65% of global capacity

17 October 2008 10:43  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--BASF has reduced its worldwide production of caprolactam to about 65% of capacity due to the high cost of raw materials and energy, and weak demand, the German chemicals producer said on Friday.

 

The decision would affect plants in Freeport, Texas, Antwerp in Belgium and facilities in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the company said.

 

Earlier in the week BASF, which has a total caprolactam capacity of 735,000 tonnes/year, said it was running plants at 70% of capacity.

 

Other Europe-based producers of the chemical, including DSM and Domo Caproleuna, were also reported to be running at reduced rates due to a slump in demand.

 

Caprolactam is used in the manufacture of the plastic polyamide 6.   

 

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Author: Mark Watts
+44 20 8652 3214

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