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Rising petrochemical costs have caused BASF Corp., Florham Park, N.J., to reduce the number and volume of linear phthalate plasticizers produced in the U.S. BASF says the recent increases in ethylene prices and growing demand for linear alpha olefins in other markets have pushed up the cost of linear oxo alcohols—raw materials for linear plasticizers—faster than raw-material costs for competing plasticizers. To remain competitive, BASF sees a need to switch to plasticizers based on propylene and butene. As a result, BASF’s Chemicals unit will no longer offer Palatinol 711P, 79P, or 9P linear plasticizers. “Although BASF will continue to supply certain linear plasticizers, the difference in cost between them and the branched products will increase further,” said Martha Brabston, North American 911������ director for plasticizer and oxo alcohols. “For customers who desire a more cost-competitive alternative, we are helping them transition to our flagship product, Palatinol DPHP, or to other products in our plasticizer portfolio.”