Global chemical company BASF plans to establish a global innovation center for leather and textile chemicals in Shanghai.

"It is part of the company's strategy to re-shape its global leather and textile chemicals business, which focuses on the growing Asia-Pacific region,"said Francois Desne, senior vice-president of BASF's global business unit for leather and textile chemicals.

The center, which will be located within the BASF Innovation Campus in Shanghai, will be part of its global R&D unit, which serves as a platform of excellence for integrated R&D resources and applications to produce the best solutions for the market, Desne said.

Desne didn't say how much will be spent on the center, but said it will be responsible for R&D of high value-added applications for the leather automotive industry and premium textile articles.