BASF chemical plant gets the go-ahead in China

German chemical giant BASF has been given the go-ahead to build the world's largest methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) plant in China's Three Gorge area, in Changshou, a district of Chongqing, after BASF agreed to help surrounding businesses based in the area protect the environment. The agreement follows concerns that accidental release of chemicals could affect drinking water.

BASF started construction of its 400,000 tonnes a year MDI plant on 11 April, after approval from the National Development and Reform Commission. MDI is an important chemical used to produce polyurethane foams and Chinese demand for polyurethanes has increased rapidly in recent years.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/May/11051103.asp