Plastics production is not linked to the fire that injured 18 at BASF SE’s chemical plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
The fire followed an explosion in the southern part of the site on July 29 after an organic solvent leakage, BASF said in a statement. The company has now added that the concerned plant manufactures aroma ingredients and precursors for vitamin production.
“To our current knowledge, the incident had no impact on the plastic production or supply,” a company spokesperson told Sustainable Plastics. The Ludwigshafen manufacturing complex covers a range of chemicals, including plastics and feedstock.
According to local police reports, 18 people suffered slight injuries, including seven firefighters. BASF said 15 employees were examined at its medical center and were discharged without having to go to hospital.
The cause of the solvent leakage is still under investigation by local authorities.
BASF said the fire was controlled within 45 minutes. Despite detecting slightly elevated levels of hydrocarbons inside the factory premises and surrounding area, BASF said there is no danger to the Ludwigshafen population. The company later said in another statement that there is no contamination of the air, water or soil.
The German chemical giant has shut down production at its flagship site, which it said is in safe condition.