1953
In 1953, LyondellBasell predecessor company scientist Professor Karl Ziegler discovers the first linear polyethylene (PE) chain. The following year, predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
History
History
Our legacy of innovation
LyondellBasell (LYB) has been at the forefront of innovation in the chemical industry, with a legacy of innovation spanning more than 70 years. Our journey began with groundbreaking discoveries in the creation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), essential materials in countless applications, from automotive parts to medical devices. Over the decades, we've continued to push the boundaries of technology, developing new processes and products that have set industry standards and driven sustainable growth.
From the early legacy of our pioneering predecessor companies to our contributions today as a global leader in the chemical industry, our company history is marked by a commitment to excellence in innovation.
Timeline of milestones
1982
Predecessor company Montedison introduces the Spheripol process, now the most widely used polyolefins process technology.
2017
LYB begins construction of Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, using the new proprietary technology. They also celebrate 60 years of polypropylene commercial sales in Ferrara, Italy.
2024
LYB begins construction of its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany, using its proprietary MoReTec technology.
1953
In 1953, LyondellBasell predecessor company scientist Professor Karl Ziegler discovers the first linear polyethylene (PE) chain. The following year, predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
1982
Predecessor company Montedison introduces the Spheripol process, now the most widely used polyolefins process technology.
2017
LYB begins construction of Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, using the new proprietary technology.
HDPE plastics produced using the Hyperzone PE process technology exhibit enhanced characteristics including superior toughness properties that make end-use products less likely to break or tear. Potential end-use products include healthcare packaging, high pressure pipe, children’s toys, household bottles and intermediate bulk containers.
They also celebrate 60 years of polypropylene commercial sales in Ferrara, Italy.
2024
LYB begins construction of its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany, using its proprietary MoReTec technology.
1953
In 1953, LyondellBasell predecessor company scientist Professor Karl Ziegler discovers the first linear polyethylene (PE) chain. The following year, predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
1953-1954
Predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
1955
LYB predecessor company begins industrial-scale production of polyethylene (PE) in Frankfurt, Germany.
1963
Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta are jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1969
The PO/TBA process is invented by predecessor company Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), producing propylene oxide with tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) as the co-product.
1953
In 1953, LyondellBasell predecessor company scientist Professor Karl Ziegler discovers the first linear polyethylene (PE) chain. The following year, predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
1953-1954
Predecessor company scientist Giulio Natta polymerizes the first crystalline polypropylene.
1955
LYB predecessor company begins industrial-scale production of polyethylene (PE) in Frankfurt, Germany.
1963
Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta are jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1969
The PO/TBA process is invented by predecessor company Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), producing propylene oxide with tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) as the co-product.
1973
The PO/SM process is launched by LYB predecessor company, producing propylene oxide (PO) with styrene monomer (SM) as the co-product.
1975
The first Hostalen high density polyethylene (HDPE) process plant opens.
1990
LYB predecessor company introduces the Catalloy process. The proprietary Catalloy technology creates reactor thermoplastic polyolefins that combine the advantages of polyolefins with those of elastomers. The wide range of properties makes these materials unique.
2000
LYB predecessor company completes the world's largest low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in Berre, France, with a single line capacity of 320,000 tons per year.
1973
The PO/SM process is launched by LYB predecessor company, producing propylene oxide (PO) with styrene monomer (SM) as the co-product.
1975
The first Hostalen high density polyethylene (HDPE) process plant opens.
1990
LYB predecessor company introduces the Catalloy process. The proprietary Catalloy technology creates reactor thermoplastic polyolefins that combine the advantages of polyolefins with those of elastomers. The wide range of properties makes these materials unique.
2000
LYB predecessor company completes the world's largest low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in Berre, France, with a single line capacity of 320,000 tons per year.
2002
LYB predecessor company introduces the breakthrough Spherizone multi-zone circulating reactor technology which provides a unique and innovative platform with flexible operating conditions to manufacture added-value polypropylene with novel architecture and enhanced properties.
2003
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) technology launched and first PB-1 resins produced used in customer applications such as easy-open packaging, film modification, hot melt adhesives, polyolefin modification, hot water tanks and pipe and fittings.
2007
LyondellBasell is created through the merger of Basell AF and Lyondell Chemical Company.
2017
LYB begins construction of Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, using the new proprietary technology. They also celebrate 60 years of polypropylene commercial sales in Ferrara, Italy.
2018
The company breaks ground on the world’s largest propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol plant in Houston, Texas and operations begin in 2023.
LYB completes the acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc., a leading global supplier of high-performance plastics, more than doubling the existing compounding business and broadening its reach into growing, high-margin end markets such as automotive, construction, electronics and packaging.
2019
LYB introduces Circulen, a product family of recycled and renewable-based polymers.
2002
LYB predecessor company introduces the breakthrough Spherizone multi-zone circulating reactor technology which provides a unique and innovative platform with flexible operating conditions to manufacture added-value polypropylene with novel architecture and enhanced properties.
2003
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) technology launched and first PB-1 resins produced used in customer applications such as easy-open packaging, film modification, hot melt adhesives, polyolefin modification, hot water tanks and pipe and fittings.
2007
LyondellBasell is created through the merger of Basell AF and Lyondell Chemical Company.
2017
LYB begins construction of Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, using the new proprietary technology.
HDPE plastics produced using the Hyperzone PE process technology exhibit enhanced characteristics including superior toughness properties that make end-use products less likely to break or tear. Potential end-use products include healthcare packaging, high pressure pipe, children’s toys, household bottles and intermediate bulk containers.
They also celebrate 60 years of polypropylene commercial sales in Ferrara, Italy.
2018
The company breaks ground on the world’s largest propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol plant in Houston, Texas and operations begin in 2023.
LYB completes the acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc., a leading global supplier of high-performance plastics, more than doubling the existing compounding business and broadening its reach into growing, high-margin end markets such as automotive, construction, electronics and packaging.
2019
LYB introduces Circulen, a product family of recycled and renewable-based polymers.
2020
LYB completes the startup of its Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, utilizing its proprietary technology.
LYB begins operating its MoReTec semi-industrial scale chemical recycling unit in Ferrara, Italy.
2021
The MoReTec semi-industrial scale chemical recycling unit in Ferrara expands.
LYB launches its complete Circulen portfolio worldwide.
2024
LYB begins construction of its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany, using its proprietary MoReTec technology.
2020
LYB completes the startup of its Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, utilizing its proprietary technology.
LYB begins operating its MoReTec semi-industrial scale chemical recycling unit in Ferrara, Italy.
2021
The MoReTec semi-industrial scale chemical recycling unit in Ferrara expands.
LYB launches its complete Circulen portfolio worldwide.
2024
LYB begins construction of its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany, using its proprietary MoReTec technology.
Our innovative past shapes today’s culture
LYB has a legacy of innovation, growth, collaboration and sustainability — beginning with the history of polypropylene and polyethylene. Our evolution shapes who we are today through the values that guide our business practices and an inclusive, collaborative employee culture.
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