SABIC and Sinopec launch mass polycarbonate production plant for Greater China region
05 Sep 2023 --- Saudi Arabian chemical giant SABIC and Chinese oil and gas corporation Sinopec have announced the launch of a new polycarbonate (PC) plant through their joint venture – Sinopec SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical (SSTPC).
Established in 2009, SSTPC is a “mega-size” petrochemical complex that owns nine production plants producing chemicals, including PP and PP.
With an annual designed capacity of 260 kT, the new PC plant is intended as a central piece of SABIC’s PC growth strategy in China, providing opportunities for further collaborations with global and local customers.
“By working in partnership, SABIC and Sinopec are unlocking significant and mutual growth opportunities that complement the national agendas of Saudi Arabia and China,” says Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, SABIC CEO.
“Building on our position as one of the world’s leading PC manufacturers, our first-ever PC plant in Asia underlines our commitment to operate and manufacture in markets that are close to our customers to increase service capabilities, agility and supply reliability.”
A SABIC manufacturing site. Lexan resin
SABIC’s portfolio of PC materials produced at SSTPC will be marketed under its Lexan resin brand.
SABIC’s PC will primarily be available for customers in the Greater China region, targeting major PC-related industries such as electricals and electronics, consumer goods, automotive, healthcare products and building and construction applications.
“For almost 40 years, China has been a key strategic market for SABIC, and our investment in Tianjin reflects our position as a trusted supplier, investor and partner for sustainable and inclusive growth,” continues Al-Fageeh.
Ma Yongsheng, chairman of Sinopec, says the operation of the PC plant marks a successful case of Sinopec toward high-end chemical materials.
“Looking ahead, Sinopec will further leverage its advantages to accelerate the development of PC materials, contributing to satisfying the needs of high-performance petrochemical materials generated by the Chinese people’s pursuit of a better life.”
Polycarbonate packaging
PC is a transparent, high-impact and strong lightweight material, used widely in packaging, automotive parts, home appliances, medical products and other everyday products.
Future demand for PC and other engineering plastics is expected to grow in China to support the increasing production of electronics, automotive, information technology and building materials.
SSTPC says it serves as “the epitome” of China-Saudi economic ties.
In 2016 and 2017, during meetings between King Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Xi Jinping of China, SABIC and Sinopec signed a series of memorandums of cooperation under the patronage of the leaders of two countries, with the PC plant’s joint construction being underlined as one of the most important projects.
SABIC’s launches
This year, Total Energies, Aramco and SABIC successfully converted oil derived from plastic waste into ISCC+ certified circular polymers. The conversion is “a first” for the Middle East and North Africa.
The plastic pyrolysis oil, also called plastic waste-derived oil, was processed at the Satorp refinery, jointly owned by Aramco and Total Energies, in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Petrokemya, a SABIC affiliate, then used it as a feedstock to produce certified circular polymers.
Edited by Louis Gore-Langton
