BASF to build sodium methylate plant in Argentina

Germany’s BASF SE announced that it will build a 60,000 metric ton per year sodium methylate plant in Rosario, Argentina as part of its commitment to increase biodiesel fuel output in South America. Sodium methylate is used as a base catalyst to produce biodiesel. No information on the cost of the plant was given. This will be BASF’s second plant in the region. The company will begin operating its first plant at the end of 2011 in Brazil. In a statement, the company said that “BASF wants to strengthen its regional presence in one of the most important growth markets for biodiesel.” (March 4, 2011)