LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — With immediate effect or as existing contracts permit, BASF is increasing the prices of the polyalcohols neopentylglycol and 1,6-hexanediol in Europe. Neopentylglycol (NPG) will increase €100/mt, and 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) will increase €150/mt.

NPG is a high-quality intermediate used, for example, to produce polyester resins for coatings, unsaturated polyester resins, lubricants and plasticizers. HDO is used to manufacture industrial coatings including lower VOC formulations, polyurethanes, adhesives and cosmetics. HDO also serves as a reactive thinner in the formulation of epoxy systems, which for example are used for the efficient production of rotor blades for modern wind turbines, as well as construction components for automotive lightweight applications.