• Capacity expansion accommodates rising demand for popular high-end effect pigments in automotive coatings
  • BASF now offers Sparkling Red, opening new styling possibilities in the red color space

Ludwigshafen, Germany - March 26, 2015 - BASF will expand its capacity for the production of Paliocrom® effect pigments by more than 20 percent by 2017 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The investment will enable the company to accommodate for the growing demand of its aluminum-based effect pigments in the automotive coatings sector. With an investment of approximately €10 million, BASF aims to strengthen its position in this fast-growing market.

"Our high-end Paliocrom effect pigments have gained much popularity in the automotive market and our orange, red and gold colors create a broad range of styling options for coatings producers," said Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President, Pigments and Resins, Europe. The expansion of the Paliocrom production is being made in view of the recent color trends and the projected rising demand. BASF expects the Paliocrom product group to grow significantly above the general pigment market for automotive coatings.

Paliocrom features gold, orange and new red pigments. BASF also launched Paliocrom Sparkling Red as an exclusive bluish red product in the market. Paliocrom's uniqueness comes from high chroma, metallic luster and hiding power and it is suitable for high-quality automotive finishes and industrial paints.

"We are strengthening our leadership in this dynamic market segment by not only adding capacity, but also launching special effect pigments like Sparkling Red which has extraordinary styling potential. We continue to create more styling options for our customers from high quality pigments and accompany the growing effect pigment market," added Haunschild.

About BASF's Dispersions & Pigments division
The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for coatings and paints, printing and packaging products, construction chemicals, adhesives, fiber bondings, plastics, paper as well as for electronic applications such as displays. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Pigments division, please visit www.dispersions-pigments.basf.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry - and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world's leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).www.basf.com.

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