Plastics supply news: Total adds C4 to its production mix

With the start of its new ethylene cracker in Qatar complete, plastics supplier Total Petrochemicals has added butene linear low-density polyethylene (C4-LLDPE) to its portfolio and now offers the resin to Europe. The material could cause some problems for competitors, most of who rely on oil for feedstocks. Total derives its ethylene from less expensive natural gas.

The new material, produced on the recently inaugurated 450,000-tonne/yr Qatofin production line in Qatar, consists of grades with various additive packages of antioxidants, slip agents, and anti-blocking agents. Density for all four of the first grades offered is 0.918 g/cm³, with melt flow rates of either 1.0 or 2.0 (MFR at 190°C - 2.16 kg in g/10 min).

Qatofin is Total's joint venture with QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Co.). Total intends to stock the C4-LLDPE at its European logistic hubs. "That will allow guaranteeing our customers a continuous and consistent logistic service quality as with any other European product supplied by Total Petrochemicals," says Barbara Mandard, marketing manager Europe for film and fibers applications.

Total already markets its Lumicene-brand metallocene PE, HDPE and MDPE as well as LDPE and EVA to European film processors.