BASF PETRONAS Chemicals doubles 2-EHAcid output in Kuantan to 60,000 metric tons
BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) inaugurated a second 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHAcid) production line at its Kuantan Verbund site, doubling annual output to 60,000 metric tons.
Source: BASF Petronas Chemicals · July 30, 2026 at 11:06 PM · AI-assisted report
Corroborated
KUALA LUMPUR, 31 JULY 2026 —
BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) inaugurated a second 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHAcid) production line at its Kuantan Verbund site, doubling annual output to 60,000 metric tons.
Market Impact
The expansion targets surging demand in Asia Pacific for the high-purity acid used in coatings, lubricants and specialty chemicals. Stephan Kothrade, BASF SE board member and chief technology officer, said the project advances the strategy to deepen the group’s core businesses in fast-growing regional markets.
“This expansion enables us to better meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality 2-EHAcid in Asia Pacific,” said Michael Becker, BASF senior vice president for intermediates in Asia Pacific. He said the doubled capacity will sharpen BPC’s responsiveness to customers and strengthen its position as the region’s leading supplier of sustainable intermediates.
Mazuin Ismail, chief executive of PETRONAS Chemicals Group and chairman of BPC, called the completion a milestone for the partners’ long-term collaboration. “With demand continuing to rise, we are now well-equipped to meet it efficiently and deliver top-quality products promptly,” he said.
Tan Aik Meam, BPC managing director, thanked PETRONAS and BASF for their backing and praised the project team for delivering the expansion on schedule.
The original 2-EHAcid plant, launched in 2016, has supplied Southeast Asia for eight years. BPC broke ground on the second line in the first quarter of 2023 and achieved full operations in the third quarter of 2024.
The Kuantan Verbund site now hosts two dedicated 2-EHAcid lines. Regional customers in coatings, lubricants and other sectors will gain faster access to the high-purity acid as BPC leverages its integrated platform to meet evolving market needs.
Related: Petronas