BASF PETRONAS Chemicals has successfully concluded the startup of a new plant for the production of highly reactive polyisobutene (HRPIB) with a total annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons, at its integrated site in Gebeng, Kuantan, Malaysia.

“We are happy that the first onspec product has been successfully manufactured and dispatched to our customers. Our plant is the first of its kind in South East Asia and meets local market needs, supported by strong raw material backward integration,” said Sven Crone, managing director of BASF PETRONAS Chemicals.

HRPIB is an important intermediate product for the manufacture of high-performance fuel and lubricant additives, including additives for sludge prevention. It is also used in other industrial applications.

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals is a joint venture partnership between BASF of Germany, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, and PETRONAS, Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multi-national, under its subsidiary PETRONAS Chemicals Group.