BASF announced on Sept. 27, 2016, the opening of a new plant for the manufacturing of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at the BASF site in Shanghai, China. The plant will produce PVP K30 powder, a polymer used as a base for several applications including pharma excipients.

The site is equipped with production facilities, a quality control laboratory, and warehousing capacity. The facility operates in compliance with local and international Good Manufacturing Practice standards, including those defined by International Pharmaceutical Excipient Councils (IPEC).

The plant expands the company’s reach to customers in Asia Pacific, especially in China, the company reports. “The new plant in Shanghai affirms our commitment to customers in multiple industries and marks a key milestone for the transfer of global PVP production technology to Asia Pacific,” said Michael Heinz, member of the board of executive directors, BASF.

In 2015, BASF announced plans for global investments into its NVP (N-vinylpyrrolidone)/PVP value chain of up to $70 million. The plans include the extension of capacities in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Geismar, LA (USA), along with technology introduction in Shanghai, China.

PVP is a multi-functional polymer that is easily soluble in water and solvents; has excellent adhesive properties; enhances solubility of APIs; is non-irritating to the skin; does not pose a health hazard; and is temperature-resistant, pH-stable, non-ionic and colorless, according to a BASF statement. BASF’s PVP products are marketed into the pharmaceutical industry and sold under the name Kollidon, which complies with leading international Pharmacopeia standards, including USP-NF.

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