Archroma acquires BASF’s OBA business

Archroma India and BASF India have signed an agreement for the acquisition of stilbene-based optical brightening agents (OBA) business for paper as well as powder detergent applications. The transaction includes BASF’s manufacturing unit at Ankleshwar, India.

by Abhishek Muralidharan | 24/07/2019

(l-r) Narayan Krishnamohan, MD, BIL and head, South Asia with Alexander Wessels, CEO, Archroma group (Photo credits: Archroma)
Printweek

Marcos Furrer, president of packaging and paper specialties, Archroma, said “This acquisition will allow Archroma to strengthen our OBA supply to customers in the packaging and paper industry, in particular in India and Asia.”

OBA’s are used to enhance the aesthetics and strengthen polymer properties in packaging. Earlier this year, Archroma introduced a new OBA designed for food packaging and paper named Leucophor AFCN liq.

Narayan Krishnamohan, managing director, BASF India and head, South Asia, said, “In line with BASF’s strategy of actively managing its portfolio, this transaction allows us to better fulfil our business potential. Archroma is a global leader in colour and specialty chemicals. Ensuring a smooth transition of our customers, suppliers and employees to Archroma will be a priority.”

Leucophor AFCN liq provides flexibility to produce attractive, white, paper-based packaging and containers for food applications.

Archroma claims that OBA’s are necessary to ensure that the paper containers for food are free from substances that would be harmful to the consumer.

Source: PrintWeek