Superabsorbent polymers are polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. They are used as a main component in baby diapers, incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products.

BASF will launch a new generation of highly innovative superabsorbent polymers under the trademark Saviva. Based on its round-shaped particles with micro-pores, Saviva has an innovative liquid distribution mechanism. This makes it a highly efficient superabsorbent polymer in a diaper core. According to BASF, Saviva offers an innovation platform for the development of new hygiene solutions and is making a contribution to sustainability in terms of weight reduction of diapers.

BASF will invest up to €500 million ($625 million) over the next two to three years to establish droplet polymerization capacities worldwide by revamping existing plants. This will keep time-to-market as short as possible. The first wave of revamping existing plants will be kicked off in Europe, closely followed by plants in Asia and the Americas.

• BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany