* EU ban on nonylphenol ethoxylates came into force in January 2005
* More than 1,000 tonnes of Eusapon OD sold worldwide in its first year
Legislation based on European Council Directive 2003/53/EC restricting the marketing and use of nonylphenol ethoxylates came into force on January 17, 2005. Many branches of industry have been affected, especially the leather sector.
BASF began to develop replacement products at an early stage and launched Eusapon OD on the market in October 2003 to provide leather manufacturers with an economical environmentally friendly alternative. Previously, nonylphenol ethoxylates had been considered indispensable in the manufacture of leather because of their cost effectiveness. Although the ban on nonylphenol only applies to Europe, the interest in Eusapon OD from outside Europe has been so great that more than 1,000 tonnes of this BASF speciality for degreasing leather were sold in its first year on the market.
BASF’s customers have been convinced by the high performance of Eusapon OD at low concentrations and its high eco-efficiency. The product range of BASF’s Performance Chemicals for Leather business unit includes chemicals for all wet end and finishing processes in the leather and fur industries. With a worldwide manufacturing and marketing organisation, they are one of the leading suppliers in these fields. Further information on their products can be found at: [http://www.basf.com/leather]
