The integrated aromas ingredients complex will operate under the BASF Petronas Chemicals name and will focus on producing citral-based products for both the flavor and fragrance industry, including Citronell and L-menthol.
Citral-based fragrance ingredients are used in a variety of personal care products, and is commonly derived from the oils of several plants, including lemon myrtyle, litsea cubeba, lemon tea-tree, lemon verboba, together with citrus fruits such as lemon, lime and orange.
Citral-based aroma ingredient provide a variety of fragrances
It is commonly used for citrus effect fragrance and is often included as a primary ingredient in a wide range of fragrances, as well as to a selection of cosmetic and personal care products, particularly skin care products.
Citronell is used for a fresh and long-lasting rose fragrance, whereas L-mentol is used to add a cool freshness to a variety of oral care and body care products.
The facility will be built alongside an existing Petronas facility in Gebeng, Kuantan and will comprise production components to produce citral and precursors, as well as associated downstream downstream plants to manufacture citronellol and L-mentol.
Speaking about the investment in the facility, Dr. Martin Brudermüller, vice chairman of BASF SE, responsible for Asia Pacific, said it reflected the company’s long-term strategy to invest in Asia Pacific.
Part of aims to produce more in Asia Pacific
“We are introducing an innovative production technology for the first time into Asia Pacific; and we are making another important step towards our objective to achieve local production of 75% of the products we sell in Asia Pacific,” Dr. Brudermüller said.
Reflecting the importance of the facility and BASF’s commitment to the Malaysian economy, the groundbreaking was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.
"This project will benefit local people in Pahang through training and employment opportunities at all levels, as well as through positive economic impact and enhanced expertise in the sustainable operation of large scale projects like this one,” Dato’ Sri Najib said.