BASF is to invest up to €500 million over the next 2-3 years to establish new droplet polymerization capacities at its superabsorbent polymer plants worldwide. 

The company’s researchers have worked intensively over the last decade to develop a new technology and optimize the corresponding production processes and will launch a new generation of superabsorbent polymers under the trademark Saviva before the end of 2016. 

Based on its round-shaped particles with micro-pores, Saviva has an innovative liquid distribution mechanism, making it a highly efficient superabsorbent polymer in a diaper core. It has been tested comprehensively in laboratories, in diaper prototypes and with end consumers in home-use tests, confirming its outstanding properties and its performance in diapers. Selected customers have already given positive feedback.

“To launch this breakthrough innovation in a fast and efficient way, BASF has developed a revamp strategy,” explained Michael Heinz, member of the board of executive directors, at BASF. “In order to keep time-to-market as short as possible, we will extend and modify already existing production sites. Existing facilities will in future be able to produce both Saviva and the current product, HySorb.

The first wave of revamping existing plants will be kicked off in Europe, closely followed by plants in Asia and the Americas.

“The outstanding absorption performance and soft feel of Saviva offer an innovation platform for the development of new hygiene solutions,” said Teressa Szelest, senior vice president of BASF’s Global Hygiene business. “It is a highly efficient enabler for future generations of diaper designs, offering a new level of comfort and dryness.”

With a global network of research, production and service sites and an annual superabsorbent polymers production capacity of 590,000 metric tons, BASF is a leading partner to the global hygiene industry.