BASF has started production in its state-of-the-art Superabsorbents Excellence Centre at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. The €25 million investment is a clear commitment of the company to the hygiene business as an important part of its acrylics value chain.

To increase innovation capabilities for its superabsorbent polymer business and to accelerate the scale-up process from product development to production scale, the new pilot plant is equipped with the latest data collection and sensor technology. By leveraging digitalisation and advanced modelling, the applied technology will be the key to further increase product performance. Combined with the proximity to BASF’s superabsorbent production in Antwerp, the state-of-the-art processes in the new pilot plant will shorten time-to-market, the company said in a press release.

“This investment in a Superabsorbents Excellence Centre in Antwerp highlights our commitment to innovation for the hygiene industry. With the pilot plant we want to provide new impulses to our customers and strengthen our leading role in the global Superabsorbents market,” said Marco Altmayer, senior vice president, Global Strategic Business Development Petrochemicals, during the inauguration of the Superabsorbents Excellence Centre.

The pilot plant is also a strong commitment to BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp. The Flemish government recognised the innovative character of the excellence centre and has granted a funding of €1.4 million to the development of this new process technology platform.

“The Superabsorbents Excellence Centre is an investment in the future. We are pleased to play a big role in the production and development of Superabsorbents as a centre of expertise and innovation. In addition, we appreciate the recognition and funding by the Flemish government,” Jan Remeysen, chief executive officer, BASF Antwerpen NV, said.