“THF Solutions”: BASF expands tetrahydrofuran offer for pharma-customers in Europe

* Water content further reduced
* Take-back of used THF
* Integrated logistics scheme


BASF is to expand its offer for the chemical intermediate tetrahydrofuran (THF), initially for its customers in Europe. The package offering, to be marketed under the heading “THF Solutions,” will include the elements “THF Pharma,” “THF Pharma super dry” and “THF life-cycle solution.” In addition to the THF pharma grade already available, the package will thus comprise a modified THF with a reduced water content (“THF Pharma super dry”) as well as an initiative aimed at taking back used THF (“THF life-cycle solution”). As a result, BASF is now able to meet the demanding requirements for THF quality, in particular made by customers in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, the company offers a full-circle supply concept that allows for the return of THF after use.

BASF is a leading global supplier of THF. The company manufactures this intermediate in Europe, North America and Asia with a total annual production capacity of 210,000 metric tons.


“THF Pharma”

Under the name “THF Pharma,”BASF already offers its customers a THF grade with a water content of 100 ppm or below. BASF’s customers appreciate this consistently high product quality, which is globally unrivalled, as well as the company’s reliable supplies. As announced in May 2007, BASF will also respond to its customers’ growth by raising its THF capacity in Ludwigshafen by 30,000 tons per annum from the beginning of 2008.


“THF Pharma super dry”

“THF Pharma super dry” is BASF’s new THF grade with a water content that has been reduced by 50 percent. This THF grade with an especially low water content is used mainly in the development of new pharmaceuticals. By combining this product with a logistics solution tailored to meet each customer’s specific demands, the company guarantees that “THF Pharma super dry” will be delivered to customers in exactly the expected quality and as reliably as usual.


“THF life-cycle solution”

Under this heading, BASF offers to take back the customer’s THF after use when it delivers fresh THF. In this way, BASF reduces complexity in its customers’ operations and creates value for both partners. By offering the option to use a “vendor-managed inventory system” (VMI system), BASF allows customers to simplify their logistics even further. The VMI system will enable BASF to monitor the customer’s tank levels and retrieve used product without interruption.


BASF

The Operating Division Intermediates of the BASF Group develops, produces and markets the world’s largest range of intermediates. Key representatives of the more than 600 products include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and crop protection agents. Innovative BASF intermediates help to improve the properties of the final product and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001:2000-certified operating division Intermediates has access to plants at production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2006, this BASF operating division with 2,600 employees generated world sales of about €2.3 billion. For more information, go to www.basf.de/intermediates.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.