BASF Expands HALS and NOR® HALS Capacity to Support Global Megatrends

BASF is reinforcing its position in plastic additive solutions by expanding production capacities for both standard and NOR HALS products. These investments aim to meet the growing global demand for high-performance plastics while ensuring a reliable supply of advanced, future-ready technologies. Using its advanced NOR HALS platform, BASF is tackling major trends impacting plastic use, such as higher UV radiation, more erratic weather, and stricter environmental rules. These factors are driving demand for materials that offer enhanced durability, longer service life, and improved sustainability.

“By expanding our HALS and NOR HALS capacities, we are enhancing supply reliability and preparing for continued market growth,” said Joerg Bentlage, Head of Global Product Management, Plastic Additives, BASF. “Our technologies help customers improve product performance while supporting their sustainability goals.”

Supporting the Growth of China’s Plasticulture Sector

As climate conditions become more extreme and sustainability expectations rise, growers—particularly in China, the world’s largest plasticulture market—are increasingly seeking film materials that combine durability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Modern agricultural films must withstand intense sunlight and heat, as well as exposure to aggressive agrochemicals and mechanical stress from thinner designs.

BASF’s NOR HALS technology provides advanced resistance to high UV exposure, elevated temperatures, sulphur-based inputs that create acidic microenvironments, and increasingly harsh pesticides. This level of stabilisation helps maintain structural and optical integrity, enabling reliable multi-season performances while reducing replacement frequencies, labour requirements, and overall waste.

These advantages are particularly relevant in China, where greenhouse, mulch, tunnel, silage, and balewrap films play a critical role in supporting food production across diverse climate zones. BASF’s NOR HALS technology delivers extended service life even under intense sunlight and acidic conditions, while also reducing plastic accumulation in the soil through improved film durability and easier recovery.

By maintaining structural integrity and optical clarity, the technology ensures consistent light transmission—an essential factor for optimising crop yields in greenhouse applications. In addition, reduced replacement frequency enhances operational efficiency and supports farmer productivity. Overall, improved durability and lower material usage align with China’s sustainability goals and reinforce its position as a leading plasticulture market.

Safer Handling with Attrition-Resistant (AR) Product Forms

Producers can make thinner films that are still strong and durable, which helps them perform impressively for multiple seasons while using less material and being better for the environment. To enhance safety and production efficiency, BASF offers its NOR products in attrition-resistant (AR) form, which significantly reduces dust generation during handling and processing. This results in cleaner working environments and simplifies dosing and masterbatch production.

Source: BASF