BASF celebrated the opening of a new complex for the manufacturing of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) located at the BASF site in Shanghai, China. The new plant will produce PVP K30 powder, a polymer used as a base for several applications including pharma excipients, detergents, cosmetics and technical applications. The production of the new PVP plant expands BASF’s reach to customers in Asia Pacific, especially in China, with continued reliable and high-quality supply.

“The new plant in Shanghai affirms our commitment to customers in multiple industries and marks a key milestone for the transfer of global PVP production technology to Asia Pacific,” said Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, responsible for the company’s Performance Products segment.

PVP technology leadership introduced in Asia Pacific
In 2015, BASF announced plans for global investments into its NVP (N-vinylpyrrolidone)/PVP value chain of up to USD 70 million. The plans include the extension of capacities in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Geismar, Louisiana (USA), along with technology introduction in Shanghai, China. “We are delighted to celebrate the inauguration of the new PVP plant in Shanghai. This successfully concludes the first step of our global multi-location investment into the NVP/PVP value chain,” said Saori Dubourg, President of BASF’s Nutrition & Health division. The state-of-the-art plant is equipped with sophisticated production facilities, including a high-quality control laboratory as well as substantial warehousing capacity.

PVP can be used in a broad range of applications due to its varied features:

•     Easily soluble in water and solvents
•     Excellent in adhesive properties; enhances solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
•     Non-irritating to the skin; does not pose a health hazard
•     Temperature-resistant, pH-stable, non-ionic and colorless

The new plant operates in compliance with local and international Good Manufacturing Practice standards, for example as defined by IPEC (International Pharmaceutical Excipient Councils) and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients), applicable for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. A large portion of BASF’s PVP products are marketed into the pharmaceutical industry and sold under the name Kollidon®, which complies with leading international Pharmacopeia standards, as set for example, by USP-NF and CP.