BESIGHEIM, Germany – BASF is going to significantly increase its production capacities of bismuth vanadate pigments in Besigheim near Stuttgart, Germany. The additional capacities will be available as of 2017. Bismuth vanadate pigments are yellow pigments with a special greenish color tone, which BASF markets under the Sicopal^® and Paliotan^® brand names.

Bismuth vanadate pigments are a high-performance inorganic alternative to pigments containing lead chromate, which, according to the EU chemicals regulation REACH, are classified as CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction).

“Over the next few years we expect our customers' demand for bismuth vanadate pigments to grow faster than the overall pigment market, both in Europe and worldwide. By expanding the production capacities, we respond to this increase in demand,” explained Dr. Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President of the Pigments & Resins Europe business unit. As of this year, BASF is no longer producing any pigments containing lead chromate. "We are committed to offering our customers innovative products that enable them to develop sustainable solutions,” noted Haunschild.