Sabic and Sinopec have reported the start of commercial operations of a new polycarbonate (PC) plant at their 50-50 joint venture (JV), Sinopec Sabic Tianjin Petrochemical (SSTPC). Sabic Chairman Khalid Hashim Al-Dabbagh and Sinopec Chairman Ma Yongsheng attended the ceremony.
Established in 2009, SSTPC is a mega-size petrochemical complex that consists of nine world-scale production plants producing polyethylene and polypropylene, among other chemical products. With an annual designed capacity of 260,000 tonnes/year, the new PC plant is a vital component of Sabic’s PC growth strategy in China, allowing 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,” said Sabic CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh. “Building on our position as one of the world’s leading polycarbonate 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.”
Sabic will mainly deliver polycarbonate from the JV to customers in the greater China region, targeting electricals & electronics, consumer goods and appliances, automotive, healthcare, and building and construction applications. Sabic’s portfolio of PC materials produced at SSTPC will be marketed under its Lexan brand.
Future demand for polycarbonate and other engineering plastics is expected to grow in China to support increasing production of electronics, automotive, information technology, and building materials.
