According to reports, the Brazilian National Chemical Company has begun commercial production at its new polypropylene (PP) plant in La Porte, Texas.
The new plant can produce 450,000 tons of polypropylene annually, including a wide range of products in the polypropylene product portfolio, such as homopolymers, impact copolymers and random copolymers.
On-site construction started in October 2017, and the mechanical completion was completed in June 2020.
Mark Nikolich, Chief Executive Officer of the National Chemical Company of Brazil, said: "Our new world-class polypropylene production line in La Porte has begun commercial production, which clearly affirms the position of National Chemical Company of Brazil as the leader in the North American polypropylene market. The investment of US$750 million in the largest polypropylene production line in the Americas and the first new polypropylene plant in North America since 2008 reflects our lasting commitment to meet the current and long-term needs of our customers."
Alexandre Elias, Vice President of Polypropylene North America, commented: "The launch of our new production line comes at a time when the North American polypropylene industry needs it most. The market has adapted to the COVID-19 epidemic, and North American demand has returned to the level before COVID-19. This demand, coupled with recent operational challenges in the industry, has created a situation where North American customers need our support."
In addition to supplying the U.S. polypropylene market, the Brazilian National Chemical Company is also committed to providing expanded U.S. production capacity to customers in South America, Europe and Asia.
In June 2020, the National Chemical Company of Brazil announced that it has selected Charleston, South Carolina as the global export center to provide packaging, warehousing and export transportation services for the US polypropylene production facility of the National Chemical Company of Brazil. It is expected that the center will be able to support the export of polypropylene and specialty polymers about 450 million pounds per year (204,000 tons per year).
Polypropylene is used in packaging, ropes, carpets, plastic parts, speakers and automotive parts.
Major U.S. polypropylene producers include Brazil National Chemical Corporation, Exxon Mobil, Formosa, Ineos, Lyondell Basel, Pinnacle Polymers, Phillips 66 and Total Petrochemicals.
Source: Chemical Network
