BASF is planning to construct a production plant for sodium methylate in Guaratingueta, Brazil, its largest site in South America, the company reported. The plant, which will have a capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes per year, will be the first such plant for this product in South America and is primarily intended to supply the regional market.
 Sodium methylate is an efficient catalyst for the production of biodiesel, which has developed into an alternative for diesel fuels in the past 10 years. Biodiesel is able to meet the requirements of engine manufacturers for high-quality fuels. Legislation planned in Brazil will require fuel to contain three percent biodiesel by 2013, and this figure is set to rise to five percent.