Dec 23, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Effective January 1, 2010, or as contract terms allow, BASF will be increasing its sales prices for all Wet End Paper Chemicals up to 20% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Wet-End Chemicals comprise process chemicals to enhance paper machine efficiency, functional chemicals to improve paper properties, colorants and optical brighteners. BASF’s Paper Chemicals division offers process chemicals to optimize costs and increase machine efficiency, functional chemicals to lend specific properties to paper, and finishing chemicals to improve the appearance and performance characteristics of printed paper and board.