BASF to double vitamin E production to 20,000 mts. As part of the worldwide expansion of its vitamin business, BASF is doubling its production capacity for vitamin E to 20,000 metric tons per year. This measure is one feature of a capital expenditure program amounting to EUR 600 million, with which BASF is strengthening its position as the world's second largest manufacturer of vitamins. Over EUR 100 million are being invested in raising the production volume of vitamin E and its precursors from the current 10,000 tons to 20,000 tons per year in Ludwigshafen. The stagewise capacity increases will take effect from 2002.
Vitamin E is used in animal feeds as well as in the manufacture of foods and cosmetics.
The worldwide growth in the demand for meat products and heightened health and quality concerns have led to an increasing demand for vitamins in animal feeds All in all, the demand for vitamin E for cosmetic applications is increasing at a faster pace than the overall market for cosmetics.