BASF amines price rise set to ripple through polyurethane supply chain

The move affects a wide range of products, including ethanolamines, ethyleneamines, isopropanolamines, methylamines, dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), propylamines and ethylamines.

Relevance to polyurethane production

Several of these amines are directly or indirectly used in polyurethane (PU) systems:

• DMEA – a widely used blowing catalyst in flexible PU foams, promoting the water–isocyanate reaction that generates CO₂.
  
• DMAPA – an intermediate for amine catalysts and surfactants used in PU formulations.
  
• Ethanolamines – used in polyol modification, surfactants and catalyst systems.
  
• Ethyleneamines – used in chain extenders and curing agents, particularly in CASE applications.
  
• Isopropanolamines and other alkylamines – feedstocks for specialty catalysts and coatings additives.
  

While not primary PU raw materials, these amines are essential upstream components for catalysts and formulation chemistry.

Implications for the PU sector

The increase is likely to have a disproportionate impact because amines are functionally critical despite low loadings:

• Catalyst cost pressure in flexible foam production, where DMEA is widely used
  
• Potential reformulation or substitution to manage costs
  
• Knock-on effects across CASE markets, where amine derivatives are used in coatings and adhesives
  

The move also adds to broader cost inflation following recent increases in MDI and TDI, compounding pressure on PU producers.

Photo: BASF’s Ludwigshafen HQ (© BASF)

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