Start of production expected in 2015
China’s first INA plant provides important feedstock for next-generation plasticizers

Beijing, China and Ludwigshafen, Germany – January 22, 2013 – BASF and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”) have completed a joint feasibility study and taken the next steps in the establishment of a world-scale isononanol (INA) plant in Maoming, Guangdong, China. 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 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 minimizing 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 plasticizers in China. Integration into the MPCC operations also allows for a very competitive feedstock supply,” said Dr. Albert Heuser, President, Asia Pacific, BASF.

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

BASF and Sinopec jointly operate BASF-YPC Co. Ltd., 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.

About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com