BASF today officially launched its liaison office in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, marking another milestone in BASF’s efforts to implement a new integrated chemical production base.
Located in Chikan District, downtown Zhanjiang, the new office is equipped with a range of BASF materials and solutions to create a comfortable and sustainable office environment. These include carpets using BASF materials, low VOC (volatile organic compound) wall coatings, water purification devices using BASF’s ultrafiltration systems, insulation panels and sound insulation for energy-saving insulation and improved sound, and advanced, comparable Natural light LED lighting. Some of these materials will eventually be manufactured in production sites that will be built in the future.
Sanjeev Gandhi, a board member of BASF Europe, who is in charge of Asia Pacific business, said at the launching ceremony: “The solution provided by Zhanjiang Base will help customers in South China to produce high quality and value-added products more efficiently and sustainably. We Will work closely with customers to bring BASF’s deep industry experience and global expertise. At the same time, as a strategically important project for BASF, Zhanjiang Base will become a global model for responsible, efficient and intelligent production. The community creates value.”
BASF’s planned site in Zhanjiang is wholly owned by BASF and developed in accordance with the “Verbund” concept. In an integrated system, production is highly integrated, achieving synergy by leveraging infrastructure, logistics, raw materials and energy. For example, waste heat from a plant production process can be used as an energy source for other devices; a by-product of one device can be used as a feedstock for adjacent devices. As a result, the overall impact on the environment is reduced.
BASF signed a framework agreement in January 2019 to further develop the details of the project with a total investment of 10 billion US dollars, including site selection in Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone. Upon completion of the project, the site will provide local and multinational manufacturers in South China with solutions for the automotive, construction, high-speed rail, electrical and electronic, food packaging, home and personal care, aerospace and pharmaceutical industries.
The project will be BASF’s first large-scale integrated production base for fully implementing smart manufacturing. Digital means will provide better support for energy and waste management, while technologies such as autonomous vehicles and robots are also being explored to create a safer overall working environment.
The Zhanjiang project team will also commit to BASF’s commitment to fair employment, community communication and development, and promote the sustainable development and economic development of local industries. BASF will actively communicate with local stakeholders to better understand the expectations of the community.
Source: BASF
