The Saudi International Petrochemical Company Sipchem has wasted no time in finding a partner to market its new ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) products in Europe. The company has appointed Resinex (Arendonk, Belgium), a leading European plastics distributor and member of global plastics supplier Ravago Group, as the distributor tasked with launching the products onto the European market.

Established in 1999, Sipchem manufactures and markets methanol, butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate monomer, as well as carbon monoxide through its various affiliates. The venture into the production of EVA is part of the company's third expansion plan, which has, until now, included construction of the new ethyl acetate and butyl acetate complex that went into commercial operation last year. The EVA products are manufactured by IPC (International Polymers Co.), a Sipchem affiliate company in which Hanwha Chemical Korean Co. holds a 25% stake. The new, purpose-built plant at Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia was started up at the beginning of August. The production units are still being tested to ensure efficiency; however, when fully operational, the new plant will have an annual production capacity of 200 kt of EVA and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

The tubular, high-pressure, low-density polyethylene production process is licensed by ExxonMobil Chemical Technology Licensing LLC. The highly efficient and flexible design of the Sipchem plant will be based on reactors operated by ExxonMobil Chemical to manufacture EVA and LDPE products, allowing for Sipchem to produce a wide range of both EVA and LDPE grades for applications such as packaging films, foams, and wire and cable. According to Sipchem, the technology will allow it to introduce a new EVA manufacturing process to the region. "The plant is the first of its kind in the Middle East," said Eng. Ahmad A. Al-Ohali, Sipchem CEO and Chairman of the International Polymers Company Board.

Resinex will offer 5 to 22% vinyl acetate grades across Europe as part of its structured sales approach by market segments. Olaf Wetzel, European Product Manager, Polyethylene, at Resinex added: "We are happy that Sipchem has chosen Resinex as its partner for its first polymer project. Sipchem EVA complements our current product offering to the market. We will be able to allow customers to profit from a new important player in the EVA market, and consolidate and optimize supplier contacts," said Wetzel.

The 200-kt plant in Saudi Arabia is expected to ramp up soon.