After a fire damaged its acetylene line on 30 May, Germany’s BASF (Ludwigshafen; www.basf.com) sent out letters to its customers, informing them that it would significantly curtail polybutylenterphthalate (PBT) production. In addition, the group announced an immediate force majeure (FM) for its “Ultradur” PBT base polymer and compounds, both of which are manufactured at its plant in Schwarzheide / Germany.

In the letter, BASF said it was working to repair the fire-related damages and would put existing orders on allocation. The German group also said it would not be able to accept new orders for now. Speaking to Plasteurope.com, a company spokesperson said the FM was unlikely to be revoked before the end of August, adding that the group was now buying in BDO in an effort to keep the FM's effects to a minimum.