BASF has expanded into innovation in the Asia Pacific region

On March 12, BASF unveiled a new research and development facility at the Shanghai Innovation Park, which will enhance its innovation capabilities in the Asia Pacific region to further strengthen cooperation with the automotive industry and provide new process catalysts for the chemical industry. The new facilities include the Asia Pacific Automotive Applications Research and Development Center and the Process Catalytic Research and Development Center, with a total investment of nearly 34 million euros and an area of 5,000 square meters.figure
: Opening of BASF's Asia Pacific Automotive Applications Research and Development Center and Process Catalyst Center
At the opening ceremony, BASF also showcased a range of innovative products developed locally to support customers in the automotive, construction and consumer goods industries to further meet user needs for energy conservation, emission reduction and product performanceChina). BASF has also officially launched an innovative water-based coating system for the Chinese market.
. Stephan Kothrade, President and Chairman of BASF Asia Pacific (Functional Management), said: "The rapid growth of many important industries in China has been driven by chemical innovation. Over the past few years, we have been investing in research and development to support our customers in China and the Asia Pacific region to help them meet the challenges of rapid growth, improve the quality of life for the general public, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Harald Lauke, Global President of Advanced Materials and Systems Research at
BASF and Asia Pacific Research Representative, said, "At shanghai Innovation Park, we continue to continuously integrate new technologies and build teams of professionals to continuously improve our research and development capabilities in advanced materials, chemical processes and catalysts. Since 2012, we have invested nearly EUR 180 million in shanghai Innovation Park. Our research and development experts work closely with business teams and customers to accelerate time-to-market for innovative products.
Automotive Applications Research and Development Center:
Automotive Original Paint Manufacturers work with BASF to design innovative products
BASF's Asia Pacific Automotive Applications Research and Development Center has an electrostetical spray room equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, a physics test laboratory and 3D robots designed to drive customer-oriented research and development. 3D robots can simulate coating lines under different conditions around the world to optimize spraying processes and products. Not only can it be applied horizontally or vertically, but it can also be sprayed on 3D components such as doors and bumpers. 3D robots enable BASF not only to develop new products for automotive customers, but also to design solutions for potential new trends in the automotive paint and automotive coatings industry. The new application research and development center also has a laboratory focused on sustainable spray applications.
Dirk Bremm, Global President of BASF Coatings, said, "This is another important milestone in BASF Coatings' expansion into the Asia Pacific region, where we now have a complete chain of innovation to serve local customers with local research and development. State-of-the-art automotive application research and development centers will help us better serve our customers in the automotive industry.
Process Catalytic Research and Development Center:
Explore new possibilities for catalytic technology
The Process Catalytic Research and Development Center in the same research and development building will focus on developing new process catalysts to meet the specific needs of BASF customers in the Asia Pacific region. The center has state-of-the-art solid catalyst process equipment and highly specialized testing devices for evaluating solid catalyst performance, and scientists will develop new catalytic materials for new and existing process catalytic applications. Solid processes such as solid forming, separation, formulation, film coating, drying and solid handling will also be designed and optimized in this centre. The research and development center will also provide process catalysts and adsorbents for the Asia Pacific region to customize and support the further development of the market, adding more value through close cooperation with BASF's customers and partners in Asia. It will complement BASF's world-based catalyst production base in Shanghai to further refine and strengthen its production capacity.
solutions developed locally to meet sustainability challenges
BASF first showcased a range of innovative products developed locally at the Shanghai Innovation Park. From new polymer dispersions to sustainable coatings, BASF injects innovative energy into supporting sustainability and improving quality of life.
Color Eco is a new sustainable coating system that includes a water-based single coating and a water-based integrated process. This solution, which is used in its light commercial vehicles by Jianghuai Automotive, a domestic commercial vehicle leader, helps automakers meet stringent VOLATILE ORGANIC (VOCs) emission regulations, especially in light commercial vehicles and compact multifunction vehicles. Traditional coating systems require four coatings. Integrated process for metallic paint2, the coating in the layer can be integrated into the paint for better function. Single coatings for plain paints can even put three coatings together, saving customers time, energy consumption and materials.
BASF has developed a new polymer dispersion, Styrofan® PLUS7552. This dispersion improves the performance of the waterproof film, especially in harsh or humid conditions such as kitchens, bathrooms and swimming pools, and the mechanical strength of the waterproof film and the corrosion resistance of detergents and bleachs are improved, thus extending service life. It also has environmental properties: APEO-free (alkyl phenol polyethyl alcohol) and low emissions.
, BASF's global supercomputer, helped scientists develop a new custom color-protected formula for laundry. Quriosity has greatly accelerated the design of new detergent formulations. Customized formulations alleviate fading and cross-coloring problems and meet the demands of convenience-conscious consumers for the next generation of products.
- Innovative hood covers provide quiet and comfort to the vehicle. The overall polyurethane foam solution with an open-hole structure has the characteristics of light weight, good sound insulation and high flame retardant properties. Elastofoam ® solutions to make the car quieter and provide a better in-car experience for drivers.
new research and development facilities in accordance with the concept of green building after 15 months on time, achieved 600,000 safe working hours, without any loss of working hours accidents. In addition to safe construction, the building's HVAC and air conditioning systems are integrated with exhaust gas treatment facilities, including activated carbon equipment mounted on the roof, to remove volatile organic matter, such as hydrocarbons, solvents and organic gases, from the spraying process. The building also has an advanced wastewater treatment system for process and industrial wastewater treatment at the Process Catalytic Research and Development Center.