Nov 3 2006
BASF is set to significantly expand its pigment portfolio through the integration of Engelhard Corporation, which it acquired in June. “We are now the supplier with the broadest portfolio in our strategically important markets of the coatings industry and the coloration of plastics”, said Reinhard Leppkes, Group Vice President Performance Chemicals for Coatings, Plastics & Specialties.
Effective November 1, Engelhard’s previous businesses for effect pigments and films, colored pigments, pigment preparations as well as the special mineral Attapulgite are part of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division. The integration will be completed by mid-2007.
BASF is already one of the leading suppliers of inorganic and organic pigments. Integrating former Engelhard businesses will above all expand this portfolio to include effect pigments. This will give BASF a top position in this product class too. “By combining the product offerings, but in particular also the expertise and experience of our employees, we will be able to offer our customers even more versatile and efficient solutions”, emphasized Reinhard Leppkes.
BASF’s newly acquired portfolio includes Mearlin® pigments, a range of pearlescent pigments with silver as well as color gloss effects. The recently launched Lumina™ range offers a new generation of pearlescent pigments with exceptional coloristics. Firemist™ pigments have a particularly brilliant sparkle. They are used above all in paints in the so-called teletronics field – for cell phone housing, for example, and many other electronic appliances. Special effect films are an additional product class that BASF is now integrating into its product portfolio. Their multi-layer composition gives them striking color effects and they are ideal for eye-catching plastic components or decorative packaging.
Thanks to the acquisition of the pigment preparation business as well, BASF is getting closer to the end consumer: in the United States, it has become one of the leading suppliers of tinters, used in home improvement stores to mix paints according to customers’ wishes. The new business supplements BASF’s recently launched Xfast® systems for use at the point of sale. In addition, BASF is supplementing its range of colored pigments with inorganic and organic pigments as well as hybrid pigments, marketed mainly in North America. A new addition to BASF’s product portfolio is the special mineral Attapulgite, which helps, for example, to improve the flow properties of paints. Overall, the company is strengthening its presence in the North American market.
With a strong global presence, comprehensive technical service and close customer relationships, BASF offers both old and new customers of its expanded Performance Chemicals for Coatings, Plastics & Specialties business good opportunities for becoming even more successful.