BASF Reaches Key Milestones at Zhanjiang: Butyl Acrylate Plant Starts, Cracker and Petrochemical Units Completed

BASF has achieved two major milestones at its Zhanjiang Verbund site: the successful start-up of the butyl acrylate (BA) plant and the mechanical completion of the steam cracker along with all integrated petrochemical units. These accomplishments bring the site closer to a full operational start-up by the end of 2025, underscoring BASF’s dedication to supplying high-quality petrochemical products to meet rising demand in the Asia Pacific region.

The butyl acrylate plant began operations on August 11, 2025, ahead of schedule and with an outstanding safety record. Its first shipment was delivered to customers via tanker trucks on August 17, 2025, marking the plant’s inaugural delivery. With an annual capacity of around 400,000 metric tonnes, the facility strengthens BASF’s position in the acrylics market, providing key materials for adhesives, industrial coatings, and architectural coatings.

BASF has finished setting up the steam cracker and all related petrochemical plants at the Zhanjiang Verbund site, which include units for ethylene oxide, oxo alcohols, syngas, and high-density polyethylene. This achievement transitions the project from construction to operational readiness, with all systems installed, connected, and tested, setting the stage for commissioning and start-up activities planned for the end of 2025.

“The progress at the Zhanjiang Verbund site demonstrates BASF’s commitment to strengthening our presence in the Asia Pacific region and creating long-term value for our customers,” said Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Petrochemicals Asia Pacific at BASF. “This world-class integrated site will significantly enhance our production capabilities and supply chain resilience, enabling us to offer a broad portfolio of high-quality, reliable, and competitive solutions. With the site on track for start-up by the end of 2025, we are well-positioned to fulfil the growing market needs and support our customers’ success with greater efficiency and shorter lead times.”

“The remarkable achievements at our Zhanjiang Verbund site reflect the close collaboration between BASF, our partners, and local authorities. Their strong support has been crucial for us to achieve these key milestones safely, efficiently, and ahead of schedule. With this solid foundation, we are poised to drive sustainable growth and deliver high-quality made in Zhanjiang products to customers in both local and global markets,” said Marko Murtonen, Senior Vice President, New Verbund Site China, BASF & General Manager, BASF Integrated Site (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Strategically positioned near key customers, the Zhanjiang Verbund site is central to BASF’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific petrochemicals market. As a fully backward-integrated complex, it features a steam cracker with an annual ethylene capacity of one million metric tonnes, along with downstream petrochemical plants. These facilities are set to commence operations by the end of 2025, offering a broad portfolio of petrochemical products to meet the region’s diverse industrial needs.

Source: BASF