LyondellBasell, the world’s leading polyolefins company, produces polypropylene (PP) and advanced polyolefins (APO) under the name Petroken in Argentina. The company operates a 180 kilo ton per year PP plant and 20 kilo ton per year APO compounding facility at Ensenada, 50 kilometers southeast of Buenos Aires. Polypropylene is a base material used in the manufacture of countless goods and products that enhance the quality of life for people around the world. Advanced Polyolefins are highly engineered polyolefin materials and polypropylene compounds used primarily in the automotive, appliances, film, pipe and roofing sectors. The company is the leading polypropylene producer in Argentina.
The Ensenada Plant began operation in 1992 as a joint venture positioned to serve the major local markets in Argentina as well as taking advantage of excellent export logistics. The plant increased its capacity in 1999 as part of an expansion that added a state-of-the-art APO compounding facility. APO capacity was increased to 20 kilo tons per year in 2003. The PP plant uses LyondellBasell’s Spheripol technology and LyondellBasell catalysts to produce a wide range of homopolymer and copolymer polypropylene grades. The plant has been owned 100 percent by LyondellBasell since 2005.
The plant manufactures small pellets of polypropylene which are packaged in either 20-tonne bulk containers, 1,000 kg bags or in 25 kg bags and sold to plastic product manufacturers in Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile.
LyondellBasell At A Glance
LyondellBasell is the world’s third-largest independent chemical company. We have annual revenues of approximately $41 billion* and more than 14,000 employees worldwide. Our vertically integrated facilities, broad product portfolio, manufacturing flexibility, superior technology base and reputation for operational excellence enable us to deliver exceptional value to our customers across the petrochemical chain – from refining to advanced product applications.
*Based on 2010 revenues