BASF Starts Production at World-Scale Hexamethylene Diamine Plant

BASF announced on June 12 the commissioning of its world-scale hexamethylenediamine (HMD) plant in Chalampé, France, increasing its annual HMD production capacity to 260,000 tons.

HMD is primarily used in producing polyamides such as nylon 66 and nylon 610. The mainstream production method currently is based on adiponitrile (ADN). BASF stated that construction of this plant began in 2022 and represents a key element in its European strategic positioning for polyamide (PA) 66 business.

BASF noted that thanks to Alsace region's economic and industrial resources in France, along with direct integration with the core raw material ADN, the facility benefits from an ideal environment for production and supply.

In addition to chemical production assets, BASF operates an advanced research laboratory and dedicated infrastructure for PA66 research at Chalampé, providing solid support for continuous innovation and product optimization in related fields. Furthermore, the expansion project of PA66 capacity in Freiburg, Germany, has also entered its final phase.

Just days ago, on May 28, BASF announced it will acquire the 49% stake held by DOMO Chemicals in the joint venture Alsachimie, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. Located on the French-German border, this company specializes in producing key precursors for polyamides, including KA oil, adipic acid, and adipic acid-hexamethylenediamine (AH salt). This acquisition enables BASF to further integrate critical raw materials within the PA66 value chain.

A BASF spokesperson said: "The successful completion of this investment project marks an important step toward our goal of becoming a leading supplier of hexamethylenediamine and the preferred partner for PA66 in Europe."