INEOS Polyolefins today announced its intention to invest in random co-polymer technology on its liquid pool polypropelene (PP) unit at Grangemouth, Scotland. By linking ethylene supply from its crackers to the PP unit, random co-polymer grades with a wide range of melt flow rates will be produced commencing Q3 2008 for the blow moulding, packaging and medical sectors.
In early 2007, INEOS Polyolefins announced the 50ktpa debottleneck of its liquid pool polypropylene unit, raising its capacity to 285ktpa. This investment has now been completed and has enabled the company to implement a further step-change in the asset's capability.
As part of its development of the polyolefin platform at Grangemouth, INEOS Polyolefins also intends to introduce swing capability on its 310 ktpa LLDPE plant to produce HDPE grades. This follows the recent development by INEOS Polyolefins of rotomoulding grades at Grangemouth and the appointment of ICO Polymers as its exclusive partner to distribute its range of advanced hexene co-monomer rotomoulding polymers. The new HDPE injection moulding grades will be produced in addition to the exisiting LLDPE/MDPE grades and will complement the existing HDPE product range.
"INEOS Polyolefins is strongly committed for the long-term to serving the polyolefins market with high quality, cost-effective and innovative products. With these investments we continue to create a robust production platform throughout Europe that will allow us to maintain our leading market position and ensure the future growth of our business" concludes Bill Reid, CEO of INEOS Polyolefins
For further information contact:
Richard Longden – INEOS - Tel: +44 (0) 7710 371998
Note to editors
INEOS is the world's third largest chemicals company; a leading manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products. Comprising 19 businesses, with a production network spanning 76 manufacturing facilities in 20 countries, the Company produces more than 32 million tonnes of petrochemicals and 20 million tonnes per annum of crude oil refined products (fuels). INEOS employs 16,600 people and has sales approaching $45billion.