13/03/2019

Press release: ZapSibNeftekhim's polypropylene unit produces first granules

Tobolsk, 13 March 2019. The polypropylene unit at ZapSibNeftekhim, a deep hydrocarbon conversion plant under construction, is 99.8% complete. Construction and installation works on the process unit are over, and commissioning is underway. In particular, systems are undergoing functional testing and safety systems are being checked for proper performance.

During commissioning, the unit produced a pilot batch of polypropylene granules from third-party feedstock.

The technology enables production of all polypropylene types that enjoy demand in all market segments.

“We have only produced several tonnes of polypropylene as part of a test run,” comments Andrei Germashev, Head of Production at ZapSibNeftekhim. "However, it confirms that the facility with the total capacity of 500 ktpa is ready for operation.”

After the launch of ZapSibNeftekhim, polypropylene production at SIBUR’s facilities in Tobolsk (including the existing polymer production facility of SIBUR Tobolsk) will total 1 mtpa. This represents the biggest production capacity in Russia and one of the largest in the world.

ZapSibNeftekhim's polypropylene will be used to manufacture a wide range of polymer goods, from medical products and personal hygiene items to geotextiles, hot water supply pipes, containers and packaging.

Overall, ZapSibNeftekhim will play an important role in substituting 85–95% (depending on the product) of current polymer imports – mainly from China and Europe.

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