BASF has begun production of its first bio-based polyol, Sovermol, in Mangalore, India. This product serves fast-growing demand for eco-friendly products for applications in new energy vehicles (NEV), wind turbines, flooring, and protective industrial coatings in Asia Pacific.

“Asia Pacific is the world’s fastest growing market for NEV and coatings. The Sovermol production facility is strategically located in Mangalore, close to raw materials supply,” said Claus Dallner, senior vice president of BASF’s Global Business Unit Resins and Additives. “This will significantly reduce transportation time and contributes to our ambition to bring best-in-class products and services efficiently to our customers in Asia Pacific.”

Sourced from renewable materials, Sovermol contains zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sovermol products are used to produce sustainable coatings and adhesives for various industries, enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprint and to save resources.

The BASF site in Mangalore has been in operation since 1996. Spread across more than 200 hectares, it is BASF’s largest production facility in South Asia and produces polymer dispersions, fine chemical catalysts, and coatings for the paper, agriculture, and automotive industries.