ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, January 13, 2010 – A first-of-its-kind polypropylene-based, high-clarity copolymer for potential use in extrusion and injection blow molding applications is the latest addition to LyondellBasell’s innovative family of metallocene-based resins.

Produced using the company’s proprietary single-site catalyst, the Metocene RM2231 resin combines excellent transparency with the typical attributes of polypropylene-based copolymers, such as flowability, thermal and impact resistance, and recyclability. “The Metocene RM2231 resin addresses cosmetics packaging requirements for glass-like clarity and gloss.” said Jean-Pierre Bideau, application development manager for metallocene-based resins at LyondellBasell.

One of the highest-clarity polypropylene-based resins

One millimeter injection molded plaques produced using Metocene RM2231 resins showed only four percent haze, exceeding the values of previous benchmarks which showed six to 10 percent haze. “Compared to competitive standard polypropylene, the new grade is currently one of the highest-clarity polypropylene-based materials available on the market,” added Bideau. With a high level of transparency and a melt-flow rate of 3.5 g/10minutes, the new Metocene resin can be considered as a replacement for amorphous, transparent polymers used in cosmetics applications, which are traditionally the domain of injection blow molded PET. The grade also offers a low density that can translate into weight and material savings. 

“We were able to combine the clarity and gloss of PET with the density and recyclability advantages of polypropylene,” said Bernd Schütz, marketing manager for Metocene resins at LyondellBasell. “Customers have begun replacing PET applications produced using injection blow molded technology with Metocene RM2231 resins processed on extrusion blow molded equipment, as they have found the new grade to be a more cost-effective solution.”

Compared to conventional polypropylene materials, the new resin also provides improved surface characteristics in non-transparent applications using aesthetic pigments. In addition, the Metocene RM2231 resin does not require pre-drying and the high processing temperatures associated with other resins such as PET allow converters to save time and energy costs, thereby improving the overall economics of the process. The use of proprietary single-site catalysts to produce the resin translates into products with excellent aesthetics, surface gloss and purity. The high purity enhances the resin’s resistance to discoloration; it also helps to improve product economics with regrind material when used with polyamides or EVOH in multilayer barrier bottles and film.

The new Metocene RM2231 resin is produced in Europe and is commercially available worldwide.

Note for editorial offices: Press photographs can be also downloaded from http://lyondellbasell.mediaroom.com/file.php/278/pressimage_RM2231.tif

Photo Caption: 
Produced using the company’s proprietary single-site catalyst, LyondellBasell’s new Metocene RM2231 resin combines excellent transparency with the typical attributes of polypropylene-based copolymers, such as flowability, thermal and impact resistance, and recyclability. Metocene RM2231 addresses cosmetics packaging requirements for glass-like clarity and gloss.

Photo: By courtesy of Miliken

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LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world’s largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including biofuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by ProChemie GmbH, a joint venture of Access Industries and ProChemie Holding Ltd.

For information, contact:
Media - Waldemar Oldenburger, +49 69 305 854 59 or
waldemar.oldenburger@lyondellbasell.com