Expanded Novel NOR Stabilizer Technology for Agricultural Films from BASF

BASF has announced the technical completion of a newly constructed, state-of-the-art plant for its plastic additives business at its site in Pontecchio Marconi, Italy, which will deliver a wider range of NOR UV and thermal stabilizer solutions to support the company’s  leading position in the strategically important and growing agriculture industry.

Plasticulture, the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications, plays an important role in helping farmers enhance crop productivity and food quality in an increasingly difficult environment. Agricultural plastics must be capable of protecting the crops enduring exposure to harsher ultraviolet and heat radiation and be impervious to the chemicals used by farmers to treat plants’ diseases and for disinfection practices. The demand for such reinforced plastics continues to increase rapidly. The novel BASF NOR technology platform consists of a range of outstanding light and thermal stabilizers that are especially effective in plasticulture polyolefin applications such as greenhouse covers, macro and small tunnels, nettings and substrate bags.

The BASF Pontecchio site has already been a major production unit for hindered amine light stabilizers HALS and NOR^® HALS product ranges. It is also home to the global testing hub for agricultural applications and the regional weathering center. The expansion makes use of the existing infrastructure and generates new opportunities to serve the growing customer demand.

Equipped with a recently developed digital technology platform, the new facility will provide innovative solutions that accelerate the site's progression towards industry 4.0. The new communication platform, for example, allows maintenance, troubleshooting and configuration of instruments to be done remotely over industrial ethernet which provides more security and stability. The design of the plant also incorporates the latest technology to increase energy efficiency, while decreasing CO₂ and noise emissions. The production line includes motors with the highest International Energy efficiency class IE4. The building walls are also insulated with sound absorption panels that reduces the noise emission compared to industry standard. Thanks to these state-of-the-art technologies, the new plant contributes to the company’s sustainability targets.

“With the expanded capacity in Pontecchio Marconi, we are well positioned to better serve the growing plasticulture market with a broader range of NOR technology. Farmers are the foundation of the agricultural system. With the NOR technology platform and the knowhow of our experts, we take the responsibility to optimize the level of performance of agricultural plastics applications and support the farmers’ move towards a more sustainable farming system. They can focus on their core business of cultivating crops,” said Dr. Achim Sties, senior v.p., BASF Performance Chemicals Europe..

For instance, greenhouses with covers made with the NOR stabilized films have been shown to create a favorable environment with the optimum light for growing fruits, vegetables and flowers and for pollinators such as auxiliary insects, bumblebees, thereby enhancing biodiversity. This is both an economic and environmental benefit for food producers who can improve their yield and better contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.