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December 22, 2010

LyondellBasell Sells Flavors and Fragrances Business to Pinova Holdings, Inc.

LyondellBasell today announced that Pinova Holdings, Inc. has purchased LyondellBasell Flavors & Fragrances, LLC in a transaction which closed today.

"This divestiture is consistent with our objective to focus on developing our core businesses of olefins and polyolefins, intermediates and derivatives, and refining and oxyfuels," said LyondellBasell CEO Jim Gallogly. LyondellBasell said the transaction results in after-tax proceeds of approximately $150 million.

The flavors and fragrances business has manufacturing facilities at Jacksonville, Fla., and Brunswick, Ga., and approximately 200 employees. It produces terpene-based fragrance ingredients and flavor ingredients for the oral-care, confectionery and beverage market. Pinova Holdings said the newly acquired business will operate under the name Renessenz LLC.

Pinova Holdings is the parent company to Pinova, Inc., a global supplier of wood and gum rosin and polyterpene resin specialty chemicals derived from natural and renewable raw materials based in Brunswick, Ga.

May 31, 2011

LyondellBasell to Seek Buyer for Berre, France Refinery

LyondellBasell today announced its intention to seek a buyer for the 105,000 barrels-per-day refinery at Berre, France operated by its subsidiary, Compagnie Petrochimique de Berre S.A.S (CPB). An investment banking firm will be retained to assist with the sales offering.

The refinery, acquired in 2008 by LyondellBasell's former management, has not fulfilled economic projections made at the time of the acquisition.

"Divesting the refinery would help us to focus on our core petrochemical assets at Berre. We will move diligently and expeditiously to prepare an offering memorandum for interested bidders," said Jean Gadbois, General Manager of the Berre site.

The Berre site also has a steam cracker and world-scale polypropylene and polyethylene plants that are owned and operated by a subsidiary of LyondellBasell. The company is not looking to sell the olefins and polyolefins units at Berre.

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April 1 2008　LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell Completes Refinery Purchase in France

LyondellBasell Industries announced today that it has completed the purchase of the Shell oil refinery and associated infrastructure and businesses at the Berre l'Etang petrochemical complex in France.

The refinery, with production capacity of 105,000 barrels per day, is adjacent to a LyondellBasell polyolefins complex at Berre that includes a steam cracker, butadiene extraction unit and world-scale polypropylene and polyethylene plants. LyondellBasell also has a polyethylene plant and a site that produces propylene oxide, MTBE and ETBE nearby at Fos-sur-Mer.

"The acquisition of the Berre refinery enhances raw material integration for our operations in France and supports our polyolefins business in Europe," said Volker Trautz, CEO of LyondellBasell. "Furthermore, this transaction puts us in a better position to build upon our fuels and chemicals businesses in Europe."

LyondellBasell has been the largest customer of the Berre refinery, purchasing naphtha, vacuum gas oil (VGO) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as raw material for its steam cracker. Other refined products include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, bitumen and heating oil. Approximately 1,500 employees will join LyondellBasell through this transaction, including about 500 Shell employees who already operate LyondellBasell's assets at the Berre complex.

In addition to its industry leadership in polyolefins, LyondellBasell is the largest producer of biofuels in the European merchant market with approximately 1.2 million metric tonnes per year of capacity at its plants in Fos-sur-Mer, France and Rotterdam, Netherlands. The LyondellBasell plant at Fos-sur-Mer has the flexibility to produce both MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) and bio-ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether) in support of the European biofuels directive. LyondellBasell also operates a 268,000 barrels per day full-conversion refinery in the United States at Houston, Texas.

Nov.14, 2012 LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell to Restore LDPE Capacity at Wesseling, Germany

LyondellBasell today announced that the company will restore a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) line in Wesseling, Germany, that has been out of service since January 2012. Startup of the new line is targeted for mid-2013.

The Wesseling LDPE line has historically been used to produce LDPE grades for healthcare applications. Restoration of this LDPE line will enhance the company's ability to supply this important market. LyondellBasell also announced the creation of a new sales group within its European specialty polyolefins sales organization to further strengthen its commitment to, and support of, customers in the medical industry.

"The restoration of this LDPE production line at Wesseling and the increased focus we will obtain through our new sales organization will enable us to better serve our customers and help them to optimize their supply chain through our higher production capability," said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell's Senior Vice President, Olefins and Polyolefins for Europe, Asia and International.

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January 23,2012 [Source: ICIS news]

LyondellBasell's Wesseling LDPE production partly shut after blast

LyondellBasell’s low density polyethylene (LDPE) output at its polyolefins production site in Wesseling near Cologne, Germany, remains partly shut following an explosion over the weekend, the Netherlands-headquartered producer said on Monday.

The blast, which occurred at one of two LDPE plants at the site on Saturday morning, injured seven workers who were working in the area.

LyondellBasell said that the second LDPE plant and all other units at the site were unaffected and are running normally.

The company were unable to disclose how much of its LPDE capacity has been affected by the explosion. According to ICIS, LyondellBasell has a total LDPE production capacity of 430,000 tonnes/year at the Wesseling site.

“The incident was quickly brought under control by operations and site emergency response and the affected unit was safely shut down,” said Andreas Anker, a spokesperson for LyondellBasell.

“All other units at the Wesseling plant are not affected by this incident and are running normal,” he added.

Anker said the cause of the incident is still unknown and will be fully investigated in collaboration with the local authorities.

The seven workers suffered light injuries and were hospitalised for observation before being released on Saturday, he added.

April 11, 2013 LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell Announces Plans for NGL Fractionation at Corpus Christi

LyondellBasell announced the signing of agreements with TexStar MidStream Services, LP under which TexStar will install two natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation units adjacent to the Corpus Christi, Texas, plant of LyondellBasell affiliate Equistar Chemicals LP.
The fractionation units will be capable of processing a combined 63,000 barrels per day of NGLs produced from the Eagle Ford shale into ethane, propane, butanes and natural gasoline. Equistar will operate the fractionators for TexStar and will provide various utilities to the facility from its adjacent Corpus Christi olefins facility. In addition, Equistar will purchase ethane and propane produced from the units under a long-term agreement. The NGLs will be used as feedstocks for Equistar's olefins unit to produce ethylene and propylene.
The fractionators will be located on a 40-acre site owned by Equistar and leased to TexStar. Construction will commence in April 2013 with startup projected for late 2013.
"The fractionation facilities will enable us to diversify and increase our NGL feedstock supply from nearby shale formations in the region in advance of our upcoming capacity expansion at Corpus Christi, and provides TexStar the benefit of our existing infrastructure at the site," said LyondellBasell CEO Jim Gallogly. "This is another example of a project that can bring efficiency and value and be quickly implemented to take advantage of low-cost natural gas and NGLs in North America," Gallogly said. The company recently announced plans to expand ethylene capacity at Corpus Christi by 800 million pounds per year.
TexStar Midstream Services, LP, based in San Antonio, Texas, provides a full range of midstream services to its customers including gathering, treating, and processing of natural gas and NGLs.
　

Jan. 2, 2014 LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell Restarts Methanol Plant at Channelview on Schedule

LyondellBasell today announced that its methanol plant at Channelview, Texas, was placed into service in the fourth-quarter 2013 to take advantage of low-cost natural gas from shale formations. The unit had been out of service since 2004 due to the rising cost of natural gas, the key feedstock for methanol production.

"The methanol plant re-start is the first in a series of U.S. Gulf Coast projects by LyondellBasell to take advantage of the natural gas price advantage that we enjoy from shale gas," said Patrick Quarles, senior vice president, Intermediates and Derivatives. "The methanol plant project and our other significant debottleneck projects will bring new capacity into our system earlier and at substantially lower cost than constructing entirely new facilities."

Citi Basic Materials Conference December 3, 2013

Other LyondellBasell growth projects include expansions of ethylene capacity at La Porte, Channelview and Corpus Christi, Texas, that will add 1.8 billion pounds to the company's annual capacity, and the expansion of a polyethylene facility in Matagorda County, Texas.

Methanol is used in the production of chemicals such as acetic acid and formaldehyde, and in products including adhesives, foams, plywood subfloors, solvents and windshield washer fluid. LyondellBasell is a leading manufacturer and global supplier of acetic acid. Methanol also is used in global gasoline production through direct blending, as well as for the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a clean-burning gasoline component produced by LyondellBasell.

LyondellBasell is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500. LyondellBasell manufactures products at 58 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.

2011/12/20   LyondellBasellの成長戦略
    2) 米国のエチレン、プロピレン
   3）メタノール再稼働
          低コストの天然ガスを活用し、Channelviewの年産780千トンのメタノール設備を再稼働する。

2013/11 Presentation

Aug. 25, 2014 　

LyondellBasell to Build World Scale PO/TBA Plant on U.S. Gulf Coast

LyondellBasell announced today plans to build a world scale PO/TBA plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast with an annual capacity of 900 million pounds(400千トン）of propylene oxide (PO) and 2 billion pounds （900千トン）of tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and its derivatives. The preliminary timetable is to have the plant operational in 2019. The project is expected to generate up to 1,200 construction jobs at its peak.

The plant is expected to sell PO in the global marketplace to meet growing demand for polyurethanes, which are used primarily for the manufacture of bedding, furniture, carpets and car seats. TBA and its derivatives will be sold to meet the need for high octane gasoline blending components as well as for use in manufacturing synthetic rubber and lubricant additives.

"While we have not finalized the exact location of the plant, the abundant natural gas liquids associated with shale gas make the U.S. Gulf Coast an advantaged feedstock region," said Pat Quarles, LyondellBasell Senior Vice President of Intermediates and Derivatives. "This project combines our leading proprietary PO/TBA technology with low cost feedstock and demonstrates our continued commitment to capturing maximum advantage of market opportunities."
　

Sept. 24, 2014

LyondellBasell Evaluating Further Expansion At Channelview Site

LyondellBasell announced today that it is evaluating a further expansion project at its petrochemical plant in Channelview, Texas, that would potentially add up to 550 million pounds-per-year of ethylene capacity. Preliminary engineering work is already underway to assess expansion feasibility. If the project proceeds, the anticipated time frame for completion would be 2017.

The proposed expansion project would be in addition to work already underway to install two large cracking furnaces at the Channelview site that are slated to increase production by 250 million pounds-per- year when construction work is expected to be completed early next year.

In addition to expansion at Channelview, LyondellBasell is increasing ethylene capacity at two other Texas plants. An 800 million pounds-per-year expansion has just been completed in La Porte. And an additional 800 million pounds of capacity are being added at the Company's site in Corpus Christi, which is scheduled for completion in late 2015. When all three are completed, a total of 1.85 billion pounds of ethylene capacity are expected each year. This figure will increase to 2.4 billion if the additional expansion project is finalized.

"Our strategy continues to be the cost-effective expansion of existing facilities to take swift advantage of abundant supplies of low cost natural gas and ethane from shale production," said Tim Roberts, Executive Vice President, Olefins & Polyolefins, Americas. "The additional ethylene capacity we are already adding at our three Texas plants through existing expansion projects is the equivalent of constructing a new stand-alone cracking unit."

Ethylene and related products produced by LyondellBasell are used to manufacture numerous materials that are essential to consumer durable products, flexible packaging, and automotive applications. LyondellBasell is currently the fifth largest producer of ethylene globally.

Aug 10, 2015

LyondellBasell Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire SJS Plastiblends
Strategic acquisition will expand capabilities and footprint in India's growing automotive plastics market

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of SJS Plastiblends Pvt. Ltd. (SJS), a polypropylene compounds (PPC) manufacturer, located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. This strategic acquisition will expand LyondellBasell's existing footprint in India and further enhance the Company's position in India's growing automotive market.

"This acquisition will expand our global PPC manufacturing footprint and allow us to better compete in the long-term growth of India's automotive market," said Bhavesh V. (Bob) Patel, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of LyondellBasell. "We are very proud of the strong, global reputation we have built by manufacturing high-quality products and providing excellent service to our customers. We look forward to continuing this tradition in India through this expansion."

Globally, India represents the fourth largest growth market for automobiles, with three million new vehicles produced each year. According to IHS Inc., India's automotive market is expected to continue growing by six to eight percent annually through 2021. LyondellBasell has supplied the Indian market through imports and tolling arrangements since 2009.

The acquisition agreement was signed on August 7, 2015, and the transaction is expected to close in late 2015. This acquisition will follow the Company's strategic growth model by enhancing its competitive position in attractive markets. Until the transaction is complete, SJS will conduct business as usual and continue to provide the same level of support, service and high quality products to its customers.

About SJS:

SJS was established in 1996 to create products that improve the performance and aesthetics of plastics in automotive supply. SJS has approximately 60 employees and one manufacturing site with annual production capacity of approximately 12,000 metric tons of polypropylene compounds (PPC). These compounds are used in the production of thermoplastic materials for the automotive, home appliances and other markets. Singhi Advisors were financial advisors to SJS on this transaction.

Aug 18, 2015

LyondellBasell Announces Sale of Argentina-based Petroken

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced that YPF S.A. and Grupo Inversor Petroquimica S.L. have accepted an offer to purchase LyondellBasell's Argentina-based, wholly-owned subsidiary Petroken Petroquimica Ensenada S.A. (Petroken).

The sale is expected to close in late 2015 following Brazilian antitrust authority (CADE) approval. The transaction is valued at $145 million on a debt and cash free basis. Based on working capital estimates as of June 30, 2015, expected cash proceeds are $162 million. Petroken operates a 180 kiloton polypropylene plant in Ensenada and is a leading polypropylene producer in Argentina.

"As part of our long-term growth strategy, we will continue to focus on regions and assets that will have the greatest impact on value-creation for our shareholders," said Tim Roberts, Executive Vice President, Global Olefins and Polyolefins.
Until closing, Petroken will continue to provide the same level of support, service and high quality products to its customers.

November 19, 2015　

LyondellBasell Developing World's Largest PO/TBA Plant

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced that it is advancing plans to build the world's largest propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant in the Houston area. This project, considered to be the largest of its kind, is expected to create up to 2,500 construction jobs and approximately 100 permanent positions.

"We are moving forward in a deliberate fashion to develop what could become the single largest capital investment in LyondellBasell's history," said Chief Executive Officer Bob Patel. "We continue to believe that the combination of low-cost natural gas liquids available on the U.S. Gulf Coast, along with our leading proprietary PO/TBA technology, will allow this proposed project to capture maximum advantage of market opportunities."

The Company will soon begin front-end engineering design work and file environmental permit applications. This phase will also include funding to order long lead-time equipment. A final investment decision is expected to be made following completion of the engineering design work.

The Company's complex located in Channelview, Texas was selected as the site for the PO/TBA unit. The Bayport Choate site near Pasadena was selected for an ethers unit which will produce oxy-fuels for high octane gasoline. A split facility design between the Channelview and Bayport sites will optimize the product balances between the sites and create additional synergies.

This project is part of LyondellBasell's previously announced $3 - $4 billion expansion effort that will take place on the U.S. Gulf Coast over the next five years. LyondellBasell has already completed work on ethylene expansion projects at the Company's La Porte and Channelview sites in Texas. A third ethylene expansion project is currently underway in Corpus Christi.

LyondellBasell first announced the PO/TBA project in August of 2014. Annual production capacities are anticipated to be one billion pounds of propylene oxide and two billion pounds of tertiary butyl alcohol.

The plant will sell PO in the global marketplace to meet growing demand for polyurethanes, which are used primarily for the manufacture of bedding, furniture, carpets and car seats. TBA and its derivatives, which include oxy-fuels, will be sold to meet the need for high octane gasoline blending components as well as for use in manufacturing synthetic rubber and lubricant additives.

November 30, 2015　LyondellBasell　

LyondellBasell Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire PP Compounding Business of Zylog Plastalloys Pvt. Ltd.

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the polypropylene (PP) compounding assets of Zylog Plastalloys Pvt. Ltd. (Zylog) of India.

Upon completion of the acquisition, LyondellBasell will double its automotive customer base in India and become the third largest producer of PP compounds in the country with an annual capacity of 44,000 metric tons (97 million pounds).

Earlier this year, LyondellBasell acquired SJS Plastiblends Pvt. Ltd. (SJS), a manufacturer of PP compounds located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The Zylog acquisition includes manufacturing sites in Sinnar, Maharashtra, and in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

"We are very optimistic about India's economic growth and rapidly expanding automotive market," said Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, CEO and chairman of the management board of LyondellBasell. "The acquisition of SJS and Zylog are part of our plan to strategically expand our footprint where it makes sense from an economic and strategic perspective. With these investments, LyondellBasell will be a leading producer of PP compounds in all major automotive growth regions of the world," he added.

LyondellBasell is the world's largest producer of PP compounds with an annual capacity of 1.2 million metric tons (2.6 billion pounds). These compounds are used to manufacture automotive parts, home appliances and other products. LyondellBasell has supplied the Indian market through imports and tolling arrangements since 2009.

India represents the fourth largest growth market for automobiles globally with 3 million new vehicles produced each year. According to IHS Inc., India's automotive market is expected to continue growing by 6 to 8 percent annually through 2021. Additionally, the World Bank has predicted India's GDP to grow at a rate of 8 percent by 2017.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2016. Until the transaction is complete, Zylog will conduct business as usual and continue to provide the same level of support, service and high quality products to its customers.

The purchaser is Basell Polyolefins India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of LyondellBasell.

About Zylog:
Zylog is a privately held corporation established in India in 1984. The company produces PP compounds, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and styrene chemistry. LyondellBasell is acquiring Zylog's PP compounding and warehousing assets, and the trademarked brands Hipolyene, Hiflex and Entek. Zylog owns two PP compounding facilities in India; one located in Sinnar, Maharashtra, and one in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Both facilities house a world-class production setup with a variety of extrusion lines, mixers, state-of-the-art quality assurance and lab facilities, and research and development. Zylog Plastalloys will continue to manufacture and market TPV (Neoplast) and TPE (Neoflex).

April 7, 2016

LyondellBasell Completes Second Polypropylene Compounds Acquisition in India

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, today announced that it completed the previously announced acquisition of the polypropylene (PP) compounding assets of Zylog Plastalloys Pvt. Ltd. in India. The company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Zylog's PP compounding assets in November 2015.

LyondellBasell has supplied the Indian market through imports and tolling arrangements since 2009. In October 2015, LyondellBasell acquired SJS Plastiblends Pvt. Ltd.'s PP compounding business which is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. With the acquisition of Zylog's manufacturing operations in Sinnar, Maharashtra, and Chennai, Tamil Nadu, LyondellBasell is now the third largest producer of PP compounds in India with an annual capacity of 44,000 metric tons (97 million pounds).

In addition to the already existing product lines offered at these sites, LyondellBasell will produce its Hostacom glass fiber-reinforced, mineral filled and unfilled colored grades as well as Hifax high impact thermoplastic olefins. These compounds are used to manufacture automotive parts, home appliances and other products.

"Our investments in India demonstrate LyondellBasell's continued focus on strategic growth projects that increase our competitive advantage and provide a strong return on assets," said Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, CEO and chairman of the management board of LyondellBasell. "We are proud of the high-quality products we provide to the automotive manufacturers, and our expansion in India underscores our commitment to meeting customer needs globally," he added.

LyondellBasell is the world's largest producer of PP compounds with an annual capacity of 1.3 million metric tons (2.8 billion pounds).

India represents the fourth largest growth market for automobiles globally with 3 million new vehicles produced each year. According to IHS Inc., India's automotive market is expected to continue growing by 6 to 8 percent annually through 2021. In its latest Global Economic Prospect report, the World Bank projected that India's GDP will grow by 7.8 percent in 2016 and 7.9 percent annually in 2017 and 2018.

July 29, 2016

LyondellBasell to Build High Density Polyethylene Plant on U.S. Gulf Coast

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, has made the final investment decision to build a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The plant will have an annual capacity of 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons) and will be the first commercial plant to employ LyondellBasell's new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology. The project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and as many as 75 permanent positions. Start-up is planned for 2019.

"Innovation is key to our future success. This new proprietary technology will have the capability to produce a wide range of HDPE products with enhanced properties, many of which have the potential to exceed industry benchmarks," said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell's CEO.

HDPE is used in numerous applications such as pipe, bottles, containers, toys, film, healthcare articles, plastic fuel tanks and industrial packaging. LyondellBasell's Hyperzone PE enhanced properties include improved stress crack resistance and enhanced balance between stiffness and impact strength.

The Hyperzone PE technology is a cascade gas phase process based on LyondellBasell's unique Multizone circulating reactor technology and was developed at LyondellBasell's European research and development centers located in Frankfurt, Germany, and Ferrara, Italy. The new proprietary technology will have the capability to produce a wide range of high-performance multi-modal HDPE products. In certain applications, Hyperzone PE resins allow customers to use less PE resin per unit produced, resulting in improved resource efficiency and savings for customers. While the Hyperzone PE plant will be located on the U.S. Gulf Coast, the products produced will serve markets across the globe.

"We are continuing to invest in growth-oriented projects like Hyperzone PE, where we see long term feedstock advantage," Patel added. "We believe that the combination of our latest polyolefins technology and new ethylene capacity from low cost debottlenecks will provide a good return on investment. Additionally, this project enhances our ethylene integration strategy, allowing us to capture value across the ethylene value chain."

LyondellBasell is a global leader in the development and licensing of polyolefin processes and related catalysts and plans to make the Hyperzone PE technology available for licensing in the future. The company has over 250 polypropylene and polyethylene lines licensed worldwide.

The Hyperzone PE project is part of LyondellBasell's ongoing growth plan. Recently, the company completed work on ethylene expansion projects at the company's La Porte and Channelview sites in Texas. A third ethylene expansion project is currently underway in Corpus Christi, Texas. Additionally, development of a world scale propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) plant at the company's Channelview site is progressing.

Sept. 9, 2016

LyondellBasell Will Build High Density Polyethylene Plant at La Porte, Texas, Complex

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, has selected its La Porte, Texas, manufacturing complex as the site for a new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plant. The plant will be the first commercial plant to employ LyondellBasell's new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology and will have an annual capacity of 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons). The project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and as many as 75 full time positions. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2017 with start-up planned for 2019.

"This project represents the next generation of technology," said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell CEO and Chairman of the Management Board. "This location is ideal for this facility because of the feedstock advantage we enjoy, the ability to ship product around the world and, most importantly, the outstanding workforce that the Gulf Coast has to offer."

Located on the south shore of the Houston Ship Channel, LyondellBasell's La Porte complex spans 540 acres and produces ethylene, propylene, Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE are thermoplastics used to manufacture a wide variety of plastic products used in everyday life such as bottles, bags, containers, toys, food packaging, healthcare articles, automotive applications and industrial packaging. The La Porte complex is also the primary location for LyondellBasell's Acetyls business with an integrated chain of manufacturing units producing methanol, acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM). VAM is used in household latex paint, adhesives, food packaging, wire and cable coatings and automotive safety glass.

HDPE is one of the most versatile plastics because it is lightweight, yet very strong; impact resistant; weather resistant; it can be molded into almost any shape and is widely recyclable.

HDPE resins produced using LyondellBasell's new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology will exhibit enhanced properties such as an improved stress crack resistance and an improved balance between stiffness and impact strength. In certain applications, Hyperzone PE resins may allow customers to use less PE resin per unit produced, resulting in improved resource efficiency and savings for customers. This technology was developed at LyondellBasell's European research and development centers located in Frankfurt, Germany, and Ferrara, Italy.

LyondellBasell currently produces a total of 7.8 billion pounds (3.5 million metric tons) of HDPE annually, including capacity of its joint venture facilities. The company is a leading worldwide producer of all forms of PE with an annual capacity of 13.2 billion pounds (6 million metric tons). LyondellBasell is a global leader in the development and licensing of polyolefin processes and related catalysts and plans to make the Hyperzone PE technology available for licensing in the future. The company has over 250 polypropylene and polyethylene lines licensed worldwide.

The Hyperzone PE project is part of LyondellBasell's ongoing growth plan. Recently, the company completed work on ethylene expansion projects at the La Porte and Channelview sites in Texas. A third ethylene expansion project is currently underway in Corpus Christi, Texas. Additionally, development of a world scale propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) plant at the company's Channelview site is progressing.

The La Porte Complex comprises two companies of LyondellBasell.

The Equistar Chemicals business produces ethylene, propylene, linear low-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene.
The Acetyls business includes an integrated chain of manufacturing units producing acetic acid and vinylacetate monomer (VAM).

May 15, 2017

LyondellBasell Begins Construction of Hyperzone PE Plant at its La Porte Complex

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies, has broken ground on the first commercial Hyperzone polyethylene (PE) plant at its La Porte, Texas, complex. The plant will be capable of producing 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons) of high density polyethylene (HDPE) annually and will employ LyondellBasell's new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology that provides enhanced material performance. Startup of the plant is planned for 2019.

"Today represents the launch of our latest innovation in plastics technology," said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell CEO. "The new Hyperzone PE plant will produce a better plastic that advances solutions to modern challenges, like protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes and ensuring the freshness of bulk foods by providing tough, crack-resistant containers for storage. This is truly a global effort developed by an international team, built to serve worldwide markets."

Hyperzone PE technology enables customers to produce cost-effective, light weight plastics that are strong, durable and widely recyclable. The new Hyperzone PE technology also enables the production of a broad spectrum of HDPE products in one single plant whereas previous technologies require multiple plants.

LyondellBasell is a global leader in the development and licensing of polyolefin processes. The company plans to make the Hyperzone process technology available for licensing in the future. The technology took years to advance to commercialization and was a product of LyondellBasell's global research and development teams in Ferrara, Italy; Frankfurt, Germany; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Houston, Texas.

The company chose to build the new plant at its existing La Porte Complex because of its proximity to price-advantaged U.S. feedstocks and the transportation infrastructure needed to ship product to markets across the globe. The project will create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and 75 permanent positions.

The La Porte Complex is one of LyondellBasell's largest manufacturing facilities spanning approximately 550 acres. The complex has two docks on the Houston Ship Channel and truck and rail transportation capabilities. Once the Hyperzone PE plant is complete, the La Porte Complex will more than double its annual PE capacity to 2 billion pounds (900,000 metric tons). LyondellBasell currently produces a total of 7 billion pounds (3 million metric tons) of HDPE annually, including its share of capacity through joint venture facilities. The company is a leading worldwide producer of all forms of PE with an annual capacity of 12 billion pounds (5 million metric tons).

The Hyperzone PE plant is part of LyondellBasell's plan for $3-5 billion of investments along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The company recently completed work on ethylene expansion projects at its La Porte, Channelview and Corpus Christi sites in Texas. Additionally, development of a world-scale propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) plant at the company's Channelview site is progressing and a final PO/TBA investment decision is expected in the second half of 2017.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyb.com.

Hyperzone is a trademark owned by the LyondellBasell Industries group of companies.

October 25, 2017

LyondellBasell plans $2 billion plastics, chemical project

LyondellBasell said it is planning to build a more than $2 billion petrochemical and plastics plant along the Gulf Coast, perhaps in the Houston area, but a final decision on whether to go forward with the project is likely a year away.

Bob Patel, the Houston chemical company's chief executive, said the plant would use propane, a component of natural gas, to make chemicals and the plastic polypropylene. The plant would serve North and South American markets.

Patel said that market conditions ultimately will decide whether the project will proceed, but he hopes to move forward with the plans by the end of 2018.

LyondellBasell already is in the midst of a massive expansion along the Houston Ship Channel, building a plastics plant in La Porte and beginning construction soon on a $2.4 billion chemicals complex spanning two locations in Channelview and Pasadena.

The region's petrochemical boom has been driven largely by the cheap and ample natural gas that is produced in Texas shale fields and used as a feedstock for chemical plants. Most of the projects rely on ethane, another component of natural gas. Ethane, however, is much cheaper than propane because it is almost exclusively used in the petrochemical sector, while propane is in demand for heating and other purposes.

While propane costs more, Patel said, he expects growing domestic demand for polypropylene as a plastic and fabric in the years ahead. Unlike the world's most common plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene also can be used as a fabric. In the United States, a key market for polypropylene is the automobile industry, which uses the plastic in bumpers, interior trim and even under the hood. Globally, packaging and plastic products for surging middle classes in Asia represent the biggest markets for polypropylene, Patel said.

LyondellBasell's expansion along the Ship Channel will add a plant to make propylene oxide, which is used to make bedding, carpeting, coatings, building materials and adhesives, and the by-product tertiary butyl alcohol, which is refined into an fuel additive. The plant will have the biggest production capacity in the world for these chemicals, capable of manufacturing 1 billion pounds of propylene oxide and 2.2 billion pounds of tertiary butyl alcohol a year.

The company will refine tertiary butyl alcohol into fuel additives at its nearby Bayport facility in Pasadena. Construction on the project is slated to begin next year, with completion scheduled for 2021.

In the last few years, LyondellBasell also has completed ethylene expansions at its Channelview, La Porte and Corpus Christi sites, as well as a plastics expansion in Matagorda.

Other companies are expanding petrochemical operations along the Gulf Coast, too. DowDuPont recently started up a massive ethylene and plastics plants in Freeport. Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. and Exxon Mobil Corp. are both completing massive ethane processing plants in the Baytown area. Houston's Occidental Petroleum Corp. and the Mexican chemical maker Mexichem opened a smaller ethane processing plant earlier this year outside Corpus Christi.

The American Chemistry Council, a trade group, estimates that the Texas Gulf Coast accounts for about $70 billion of the $185 billion in petrochemical plants completed since 2010 or planned through 2023.

February 15, 2018　

LyondellBasell Announces Entry into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire A. Schulman, Inc.

Creates an industry-leading compounding business with combined revenue of $4.6 billion¹ and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million² over the last 12 months
Expects to capture $150 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years, while being accretive to earnings within the first full year following the close, creating significant value for shareholders
Doubles the size of LyondellBasell's existing compounding business and establishes a platform for future growth with reach into additional high-growth markets
Complementary strengths and capabilities will provide customers with a full range of innovative products and end-to-end solutions

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, and A. Schulman, Inc. , a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform in this space to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

"The acquisition of A. Schulman is a natural extension of our current platform. This combination will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of innovative solutions while adding the ability to serve high-growth end markets beyond the automotive sector, such as packaging and consumer products, electronics and appliances, building and construction, and agriculture," said Bob Patel, Chief Executive Officer of LyondellBasell. "By leveraging our proven approach to operational, commercial and business excellence, the combined business will create significant value for our shareholders and customers."

"This transaction, which provides our shareholders with a compelling, immediate cash premium, represents the culmination of a robust assessment of strategic alternatives undertaken by our Board of Directors," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of A. Schulman, Inc. "We are delighted to join forces with LyondellBasell, an industry leader we have admired for many years. LyondellBasell not only shares our commitment to meeting customers' demanding requirements, but with its scale and resources, the combined business will be better positioned to address a broader range of customer needs by integrating across applications and offering customers a wider range of solutions in attractive and growing markets. We also expect this combination to create significant opportunities for A. Schulman employees, whose professionalism and expertise will be integral to advancing LyondellBasell's vision, values and commitment to making a positive global impact."

Transaction Terms
Under the terms of the agreement, LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion. LyondellBasell will purchase 100 percent of A. Schulman common stock for $42 per share in cash and one contingent value right per share and assume outstanding debt and certain other obligations. In addition, the contingent value rights generally will provide a holder with an opportunity to receive certain net proceeds, if any are recovered, from certain ongoing litigation and government investigations relating to A. Schulman's Citadel and Lucent acquisitions.

LyondellBasell is using cash-on-hand to finance the acquisition. LyondellBasell expects to achieve $150 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years, primarily by leveraging its well-established approach to cost discipline and productivity, as well as its culture of operational, business and commercial excellence. Further, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings within the first full year following close.

The combined businesses had revenues of $4.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million over the last 12 months.

The proposed acquisition, which has been unanimously approved by the respective boards of LyondellBasell and A. Schulman, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by A. Schulman shareholders. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

About A. Schulman
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The company's customers span a wide range of markets, such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The company employs approximately 5,100 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

June 15, 2018

LyondellBasell and Odebrecht S.A. Enter Into Exclusive Discussions Concerning Braskem

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, and Odebrecht S.A., the controlling shareholder of Braskem, a leading plastic producer in the Americas, in a joint statement today announced the companies have entered into exclusive discussions regarding a potential transaction between LyondellBasell and Braskem.

The companies jointly stated:

"Both LyondellBasell and Braskem share a strong culture of operational excellence and legacies of value-creating innovation. We believe that the potential combination of LyondellBasell's and Braskem's complementary strengths, product portfolios and operational footprints would create significant value for our shareholders, customers and employees."

"Braskem's board of directors and management have been informed of the existence of these discussions. The discussions are preliminary and no agreements have been reached. Among other things, the parties will need to complete appropriate diligence, negotiate definitive agreements and obtain corporate approvals. There can be no assurance the discussions will result in a transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur. LyondellBasell and Odebrecht S.A. do not intend to make any further comment unless and until the discussions conclude or are required by applicable law."

November 17, 2018 Reuters ↑　　

LyondellBasell close to binding offer for Brazil's Braskem: sources

LyondellBasell Industries NV is close to presenting a binding offer to acquire control of Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem SA, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

LyondellBasell is discussing the extension of a long-term naphtha supply contract with Petroleo Brasileiro SA seen as pivotal to valuing Braskem, and talks between the companies are expected to finish over the next days, the sources said, asking for anonymity because talks are private.

A binding offer could be delivered as soon as the end of this month, the people said.

Once a long-term supply contract is established, LyondellBasell is expected to bid for control of Braskem, first through an offer to controlling shareholder Odebrecht SA.
Odebrecht, a Brazilian conglomerate involved in the country’s widest-ever corruption probe, has been forced to sell assets over the last two years.

The offer will include cash and shares, the people added. The same value per share would be extended to Petrobras, the Brazilian state-controlled oil company, which is a minority shareholder in Braskem, as well as a supplier.

One of the people said Petrobras is still discussing whether to sell its full stake in Braskem or hold onto shares in the combined company. If concluded, the deal would create the world’s largest petrochemical company.

Odebrecht, LyondellBasell and Petrobras did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the matter.

ブラジルの国営石油会社Petrobras SAは2016年1月に Braskem の持株 36.1% を売却することを決めた。

Petrobrasを巡っては国を揺るがす騒動が起こった。

同社の元幹部が、同社との契約を希望する建設会社らに賄賂を要求し、契約額の数％相当、総額6千億円規模が与党政治家らに不正献金として渡っていた疑いで、捜査対象は政財界の有力者に広がっており、これまで元官房長官や、建設大手でBraskemの大株主のOdebrechtの経営幹部などが逮捕されている。

2008年から最近までOdebrechtの経営に当たっていた Marcelo Bahia Odebrechtは19年の懲役刑を受けた。

Braskemの株主　

	議決権	全体
Odebrecht	50.1%	38.3%	共同意思決定
Petrobras	36.1%	36.1%	共同意思決定
その他	2.9%	25.6%

「その他」に議決権 0.96%をもつ双日が含まれる。

2016/3/21　Petrobras のBraskem 売却構想

June 18, 2019

LyondellBasell and Neste announce commercial-scale production of bio-based plastic from renewable materials

This collaboration marks the first time bio-based polypropylene and bio-based low-density polyethylene were produced simultaneously at commercial scale

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, and Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel from waste and residues, today jointly announce the first parallel production of bio-based polypropylene and bio-based low-density polyethylene at a commercial scale.

The joint project used Neste's renewable hydrocarbons derived from sustainable bio-based raw materials, such as waste and residue oils.

The project successfully produced several thousand tonnes of bio-based plastics which are approved for the production of food packaging and being marketed under Circulen and Circulen Plus, the new family of LyondellBasell circular economy product brands.

"LyondellBasell has an innovative spirit that spans decades, and an achievement like this showcases concrete actions we are taking in support of a circular economy," said Richard Roudeix, LyondellBasell Senior Vice President of Olefins and Polyolefins for Europe, Asia and International. "Through the use of renewable resources, we are contributing to the fight against climate change and helping our customers achieve their environmental targets."

"We are excited to enable the plastics industry to introduce more bio-based material into its offering. It is very satisfying to see Neste's renewable hydrocarbons performing perfectly in a commercial scale production of bio-based polymers, providing a drop-in replacement option to fossil materials," said Neste's President and CEO Peter Vanacker. "This pioneering collaboration with LyondellBasell marks a major milestone in the commercialization of Neste's renewable polymers and chemicals business focusing on developing renewable and circular solutions for forward-looking sustainable brands."

An industry first
This achievement is extraordinary in that it combined Neste's unique renewable feedstock and LyondellBasell's technical capabilities. LyondellBasell's cracker flexibility allowed it to introduce a new renewable feedstock at its Wesseling, Germany site, which was converted directly into bio-based polyethylene and bio-based polypropylene. An independent third party tested the polymer products using carbon tracers and confirmed they contained over 30% renewable content.

LyondellBasell sold some of the renewable products produced in the trial to multiple customers, one of which is Cofresco, a company of the Melitta Group and with brands like Toppits^® and Albal^®, Europe's leading supplier of branded products in the field of household film. Cofresco plans to use the Circulen Plus bio-based polyethylene to create sustainable food packaging materials.

2008/6/13 Neste Oil

Neste Oil to build a NExBTL renewable diesel plant in Rotterdam

Neste Oil is to build an 800,000 t/a plant to produce NExBTL renewable diesel in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Construction will start immediately and the facility is scheduled to be completed in 2011. Total cost of the investment is projected to be Euro670 million. Neste Oil announced its decision to go ahead with a similar-sized plant in Singapore in November 2007. Both plants are linked to Neste Oil’s goal of becoming the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel fuel.

　

12 December 2018

Neste strengthens its global leading position in renewable products with a major investment in Singapore

Neste Corporation has made the final investment decision on additional renewable products production capacity in Singapore. The decision is based on a growing global market demand for low-carbon solutions in transport and cities, aviation, polymers and chemicals.

The investment worth approximately EUR 1.4 billion will extend Neste’s renewable product overall capacity in Singapore by up to 1.3 million tons per annum, bringing the total renewable product capacity close to 4.5 million tons annually in 2022. The company’s target is to start up the new production line during the first half of 2022.

“Neste is in the business of helping transport and cities, aviation, polymers and chemicals customers make their business more sustainable and will continue to lead the way for renewable products. We are already a global leader in renewable products produced from waste and residues. This investment marks an important step in the execution of our profitable growth strategy globally,” says Peter Vanacker, President and CEO of Neste.

As a result of the investment, Neste will have more options to choose between different product solutions in the whole production system. In addition to producing renewable diesel, all Neste’s renewable product refineries are able to produce renewable aviation fuel and raw materials for various polymers and chemicals materials. The investment in Singapore will include additional logistics capabilities and enhanced raw material pretreatment for the use of increasingly low-quality waste and residue raw materials also for the existing refinery.

“The investment will strengthen our competitive advantages which are based on the global optimization of our production and waste and residue raw material usage. With our proprietary NEXBTL technology, renewable products can be refined flexibly from a wide variety of lower quality waste and residues while the end-products retain their high quality. We will leverage the experience gained at our existing sites in Singapore, Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Porvoo, Finland, and thanks to our continuous process and technology development, the new production line will be the best in class worldwide,” Vanacker continues.

Neste currently has a renewable products production capacity of 2.7 million tons annually. Of this total, over one million is produced in Singapore, the same amount in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the rest in Porvoo, Finland. Before the new production line in Singapore, we will continue eliminating bottlenecks in our existing production, bringing the existing capacity to 3 million tons by 2020.

Dec. 23, 2019　

LyondellBasell and Sinopec announce joint venture to manufacture propylene oxide and styrene monomer in China

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a 50:50 joint venture (JV) with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China.

Under the non-binding MoU, the JV will construct a new propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM) unit in Zhenhai, Ningbo, China to serve that country's domestic market. Once finalized, this JV will build upon the existing LyondellBasell / Sinopec PO / SM joint venture in the same location, which operates under the name Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Company Limited.

2007/2/26　Lyondell とシノペック鎮海煉油化工、寧波で PO/SM 生産

"Joint ventures in strategic regions are an important part of our growth strategy," said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. "As demand for construction materials, packaging and furnishings continues to grow, we see an opportunity to bring together our leading technology with Sinopec's operational capabilities to further serve the Chinese market."

"This cooperation on the second PO / SM unit between Sinopec and LyondellBasell is based on the successful partnership of the first unit," said Dai Houliang, Chairman of Sinopec. "It is in line with China's further opening-up policy, and is another achievement of international cooperation of Sinopec. The products will help meet the increasing demands from the domestic market."

"The formation of this JV with Sinopec, a highly respected Chinese company and an existing PO / SM partner, allows us to take advantage of the fastest growing market in the world for these products," said Torkel Rhenman, Executive Vice President of LyondellBasell. "We see tremendous opportunity to create additional value and grow the presence of LyondellBasell in this very important market."

The new facility is expected to produce 300 kilo tons per annum (KTA) of PO and 600 KTA of SM. Construction of the facility will begin in early 2020 with start-up expected in 2022. The facility will use LyondellBasell's leading PO / SM technology. Products produced will be marketed equally by both companies which will significantly expand their respective participation in the Chinese market for both PO and SM.

According to IHS Markit, China makes up more than 60 percent of the Asian chemicals market demand and represents 40 percent of global chemicals growth over the next decade. PO and SM are core products for LyondellBasell.

LyondellBasell operates five wholly-owned facilities in China which are located in Guangzhou, Suzhou, Dalian, Dongguan and Changshu. In addition, LyondellBasell is currently building the largest next generation PO / tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant in the world near Houston, Texas.

Mar 5, 2020

LyondellBasell and Bora Sign Definitive Agreements to form Chinese Joint Venture

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, today announced it has signed definitive agreements to expand in China through a 50:50 joint venture with the Liaoning Bora Enterprise Group (遼寧寶來企業集團). On September 5, 2019, LyondellBasell and Bora first signed a Memorandum of Understanding and announced their intention to form this joint venture during a ceremony in Panjin, China.

"China is a large market with growing demand for high quality polyolefin products," said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. "The combination of LyondellBasell's leading technology and Bora's operational excellence will allow us to reliably produce and provide these needed products to local customers."

Under the agreements, the partners will form a Sino-foreign joint venture, the Bora LyondellBasell Petrochemical Co. Ltd, that will operate a 1.1 million metric tons per annum ethylene cracker and associated polyolefin derivatives complex in Panjin 遼寧省盤錦市, China, with a total expected cost of approximately $2.6 billion. The complex will produce products that serve the growing demands of various industries in China, including packaging, transportation, building and construction, and healthcare and hygiene.

LyondellBasell will market the polypropylene and high-density polyethylene which will be produced utilizing LyondellBasell licensed Spheripol, Spherizone polypropylene technologies and Hostalen ACP polyethylene technology. Start-up is expected in the second half of 2020.

According to IHS Markit, Asia is the largest and fastest growing polyolefin market in the world. China accounts for more than 60 percent of the Asian polyolefins market and represents 40 percent of global growth. Olefins and polyolefins are core products of LyondellBasell.

LyondellBasell expects to make its equity contribution in the coming months. The formation of the JV is subject to approvals by relevant government authorities, including antitrust review by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

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September 05, 2019

LyondellBasell announces agreement for expansion in China

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand in China through a Joint Venture (JV) with the Liaoning Bora Enterprise Group (Bora).
“China is the largest, fastest growing market in the world for our core products,” said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. “The formation of this JV with a well-respected Chinese company allows us to increase our flexibility to produce these products closer to the customer. We see tremendous opportunity to create additional value and potentially grow further in this very important market.”

This project will utilize LyondellBasell technologies and significantly expand the company’s participation in the rapidly growing Chinese olefins & polyolefins. According to IHS Markit, China makes up more than 60 percent of the Asian chemicals market and represents 40 percent of global chemicals growth over the next decade. Olefins and polyolefins are core products for LyondellBasell.

LyondellBasell currently operates three polypropylene compounding facilities in China. These facilities are located in Guangzhou, Suzhou and Dalian.

Under the MoU, Bora and Lyondellbasell will form a 50 / 50 joint venture in Panjin, China. The JV will operate a 1.1 million ton ethylene cracker which will produce olefins & polyolefins used in all manner of construction and consumer products including, but not limited to, pipe, durable plastic containers and agricultural films. The polyolefin products produced at the complex will be marketed by LyondellBasell.

When complete, the plant will employ LyondellBasell’s Hostalen ACP polyethylene technology and both Spheripol and Spherizone polypropylene technologies. Bora began construction of the state-of-the-art facility in 2019.

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October 1, 2019 Reuters

China private refiner spends big on petchem, seeks JV with LyondellBasell

China’s privately owned Bora Enterprise Group has started construction of a $2.5 billion petrochemicals plant in northeast China as it looks to finalize a planned joint venture with LyondellBasell Industries, company sources said.

The steam cracker, which is due for start-up by mid-2020, marks the biggest investment yet in petrochemicals by one of China’s private refiners as the country’s so-called “teapots” look to diversify away from the saturated local fuel market.

Bora and LyondellBasell last month signed a preliminary agreement to set up a 50-50 joint venture for petrochemical projects, and are currently in talks to finalize the deal, said two Bora sources and an official at LyondellBasell.

The 18 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) complex in the city of Panjin, Liaoning province, will produce 800,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of polyethylene and 600,000 tpy of polypropylene, used to make products ranging from pipes and plastic containers to agricultural films, the sources said.

Bora is one of more than 40 independent Chinese refiners that have grown rapidly since late 2015 to account for a fifth of China’s total crude oil imports, but which are now facing threats to their survival.

Demand for gasoline and diesel in the country is slipping, while the start-up of mammoth, more efficient refineries like Hengli Petrochemical and Zhejiang Petrochemical has led to a growing supply glut.

Many are now scrambling to enter the higher margin petrochemicals sector, where China is expected to account for around 40% of global demand growth over the next decade.

Bora, which operates a 140,000 barrels per day refinery and is also a bitumen歴青：最も重い石油producer, was among the first to respond.

The $2.5 billion plant was approved in 2017 by the Liaoning provincial government as a key industrial project, while Bora in June secured a 10-year, 10.8 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) syndicated loan from Chinese banks, two company sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The new facilities are slated for start-up in the second quarter next year, said the two sources.

A Bora spokesperson declined comment.

“By combining the project management and construction proficiency of Bora with LyondellBasell’s technology and commercial experience, this joint venture will leverage the expertise of both companies,” Veronica Adamcik, a Houston-based spokeswoman for LyondellBasell, told Reuters.

LyondellBasell already invests in several chemical plants in China, including a joint venture with a unit of state refiner Sinopec Corp (0386.HK).

The Panjin complex, which LyondellBasell said is led by a 1.1 million tpy ethylene unit, will source 1.64 million tonnes of feedstock such as naphtha from the Bora refinery, but will need to procure another 1.1 million tonnes of propane or butane from the market, Bora sources said.

March 30, 2020　

LyondellBasell to Slow Construction on PO/TBA Project

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, has informed the engineering and construction contractors it will slow construction of its world-scale propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant. The company is limiting non-essential activities at this time due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including government orders designed to limit human contact.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and evolving. Because the PO/TBA site is currently under construction and not producing needed products yet, in the interest of health and safety we believe it is prudent to limit construction activities at this time," said Torkel Rhenman, executive vice president, Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D). "We remain committed to the completion of this strategic investment incorporating our low-cost, next generation PO/TBA technology. Over the next several weeks, we will be working with our contractors and suppliers to develop a revised project timeline."

LyondellBasell's PO/TBA project broke ground in August 2018. Currently, the project is more than 30 percent complete with ongoing installation of key equipment and towers. The PO/TBA project has a split-facility design to optimize synergies between two existing LyondellBasell sites. A 140-acre PO/TBA plant is being built at the company's Channelview, Texas facility, and an associated 34-acre ethers unit is being built at the company's Bayport Complex in Pasadena, Texas. When complete, the PO/TBA plant will produce approximately 1 billion pounds (470,000 metric tons) of PO and 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) of TBA annually, which will serve the growing need for better insulation material, home comfort, cleaner fuels and other consumer applications.

This announcement does not impact LyondellBasell's ongoing operations at Channelview or Bayport, which are designated as part of the United States' critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security.

2021/1/25　　

LyondellBasell and Sinopec finalize joint venture to manufacture propylene oxide and styrene monomer in China

LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world and the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), one of the largest integrated energy companies in China, today announced the signing of an agreement to form a 50:50 joint venture (JV) which will produce propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM) in China's domestic market. First announced on December 23, 2019, the JV will operate under the name Ningbo ZRCC LyondellBasell New Material Company Limited.

2007/2/26　Lyondell とシノペック鎮海煉油化工、寧波で PO/SM 生産

"As China's economy continues to grow, so will demand for propylene oxide and styrene monomer. We are excited to expand our relationship with Sinopec through this joint venture in order to better serve China's domestic market. Sinopec's outstanding operational capabilities combined with LyondellBasell's leading technology is a win-win," said Torkel Rhenman, Executive Vice President, Intermediates and Derivatives, and Refining.

"Built on the remarkable success of our first Joint Venture, we are very delighted to continue to enhance the important partnership with LyondellBasell for future achievements. The establishment of the new Joint Venture is not only in line with the national drive for further opening-up, but also a vital step for Sinopec to deepen and expand our international operations," said Yu Baocai, Senior Vice President of Sinopec Corp. "We have great expectations on the new Joint Venture for propelling the economic development of the city of Ningbo to a new level. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Sinopec will continue to promote green industrial upgrading and innovative transformation, contributing to the everlasting economic growth of Zhejiang Province and Eastern China, and even the development of the chemical industry in China."

The JV will construct a new PO and SM unit in Zhenhai Ningbo, China. This new unit will have 275 kilotons per annum (KTA) capacity of PO and 600 KTA capacity of SM. The unit will use LyondellBasell's leading PO / SM technology. Products produced by the JV will be marketed equally by both partners, significantly expanding their respective participation in the Chinese market for PO and SM. Startup is expected at the end of 2021.
The formation of the JV is subject to approvals by relevant government authorities, including antitrust review by the State Administration for Market Regulation. LyondellBasell expects to make its equity contribution to the JV during the first quarter of 2021.

According to IHS Markit, China accounts for more than 60 percent of chemical market demand in Asia and represents 40 percent of global chemical market growth over the next decade. PO and SM are core products of LyondellBasell and are used in a variety of applications including packaging, building and construction, furnishings and transportation.
LyondellBasell operates five wholly-owned facilities in China which are located in Guangzhou, Suzhou, Dalian, Dongguan and Changshu.

April 21, 2022　

LyondellBasell Announces Plans to Exit Refining Business

LyondellBasell today announced its decision to cease operation of its Houston Refinery no later than December 31, 2023. In the interim, the Company will continue serving the fuels market, which is expected to remain strong in the near-term, and consider potential transactions and alternatives for the site.

"After thoroughly analyzing our options, we have determined that exiting the refining business by the end of next year is the best strategic and financial path forward for the Company," said Ken Lane, interim CEO of LyondellBasell. "These decisions are never easy and we understand this has a very real impact on our refinery employees, their families and the community. We are committed to supporting our people through this transition."

Lane added, "While this was a difficult decision, our exit of the refining business advances the Company's decarbonization goals, and the site's prime location gives us more options for advancing our future strategic objectives, including circularity."

LyondellBasell's Houston Refinery has a rated capacity to transform 268,000 barrels per day of crude oil into transportation fuels and other products including lubricants, chemical intermediates and petroleum coke.

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September 9, 2021

LyondellBasell reviews strategic options for Houston refinery in US

LyondellBasell is considering strategic options, including a potential sale, for its crude oil refinery located in Houston, Texas, US.

One of the largest of its kind equipped to process heavy, high-sulfur crude oil, the LyondellBasell’s Houston refinery has a crude oil processing capacity of 268,000 barrels per day.

Located on the US Gulf Coast, the refinery has access to interstate pipelines and the Port of Houston.

LyondellBasell CEO Bob Patel said: “While the Houston Refinery is a valuable, well-performing asset, we have long held the belief that it may be even more valuable as part of a larger refining system.

“To that end, we are actively gauging market interest in this business with the goal of delivering the greatest value to all our stakeholders.”

The latest move marks the company’s second attempt to sell the refinery, which suffered heavy losses in 2020 as fuel demand plummeted globally following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Reuters.

Lyondell attempted to sell the refinery in 2016, but the plan was hampered due to repeated fires and blackouts at the facility that resulted in production being reduced to a third compared to earlier that year.

Following its recovery in the same year, the refinery had attracted bids worth more than $1bn from Saudi Aramco and Suncor.

Although bidding for the refinery was denied by Saudi Aramco, Reuters previously cited sources as saying that an agreement collapsed when the chemical firm sought to increase prices prior to receiving formal bids.

LyondellBasell said it cannot provide assurances regarding the review process outcome or its timing.

Bank of America is serving as a financial advisor while Vinson & Elkins is acting as legal counsel to the firm’s review process.

The Houston Refinery produces transportation fuels such as reformulated gasoline, ultra-low sulfur diesel and jet fuel, as well as other products, including lubricants, chemical intermediates and petroleum coke.

Located on the Houston Ship Channel, the facility covers an area of approximately 700 acres. The refinery has been under Company ownership since 2006.

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Lyondell は1993年にベネズエラの国営石油会社PDVSAの米国子会社Citgo との合弁Lyondell-Citgoを設立し（Lyondell 58.75%）、Houstonに26.8万b/d の製油所を運営しているが、両社の関係が悪化し、2006年8月にCitgoの持株41.25%全てを買取っている。
（PDVSAとの間で、23万B/D、5年間の原油供給契約を締結している）

この精油所はHouston Ship Channelにつくられた最初の精油所の一つで、1918年にSinclair Refining がつくり、その後、Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)が買収した。

August 17 2006

Lyondell buys out Texas refinery partner

Lyondell Chemical Co. said late Wednesday it bought out Citgo Petroleum Corp.' s stake in the Lyondell-Citgo refinery, a giant 268,000 barrel-per-day facility on the Houston Ship Channel, for $2.1 billion.
Citgo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Venezuela' s national oil company Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) since 1990, held a 41.25% stake in the joint refining venture.

　

Lyondell (LYO) said the move, made when refining margins are running high along the Gulf Coast, will add immediately to the company' s bottom line and help it to reduce its debt load.

At he same time, Lyondell said it secured a five-year contract to buy 230,000 barrels of crude a day from PDVSA to ensure a steady supply of oil to the refinery. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Lyondell said the heavy, high-sulfur crude that the plant is designed to process would be bought at market price.

Heavy crude typically brings a lower price in the oil market because it costs more to refine. Lyondell-Citgo was among the few U.S.-based refining operations that designed their plants to cash in on that discount, handing in some of the highest refining margins in the business. Those margins have improved dramatically over the past year amid tight refining capacity and continued strong demand for petroleum products.

Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) is another Texas -based company that has tooled its refining operations to take advantage of the price spread betwee n heavy and light crude oil.

Citgo' s exit from Lyondell-Citgo brings to a close an increasingly strained relationship between the partners, the result of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez' s push to make foreign oil companies pay higher production taxes while insisting that Venezuela exert greater control over its strategic resources.

March 14, 2023　

LyondellBasell Commissions World's Largest PO/TBA Unit PO 47万トン / TBA 100万トン

LyondellBasell today announces it has successfully started up the world's largest propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) unit in Texas. These new assets on the U.S. Gulf Coast have an annual capacity of 470 thousand metric tons of PO and one million metric tons of TBA and its derivatives.

"The world-leading capacity of the new plant positions us to meet the growing demand for products essential for modern life," said Chris Cain, LyondellBasell senior vice president for Global Manufacturing. "Our company strives to be trailblazers in our industry and make positive contributions through our environmental and sustainability initiatives. This project advances our company's goals and creates value while meeting customer and society's needs, and it involved a collaborative effort between multiple project teams at Bayport, Channelview and around the world to deliver a project of this magnitude."

The PO/TBA project is a split facility design, intended to optimize production and leverage synergies shared by the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex located in Channelview, Texas and the LyondellBasell Bayport Complex located in Pasadena, Texas. The 140-acre PO/TBA plant was built at the Channelview Complex, while the associated 34-acre ethers unit, which will convert TBA to oxyfuels, was built at the Bayport Complex.

The project is part of the company's multi-billion dollar series of investments along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Based on an analysis by the Greater Houston Partnership, the LyondellBasell PO/TBA project is estimated to generate more than $450 million in tax benefits for the county, school district, community college and other local taxing districts over a 10-year period.

The development of LyondellBasell PO/TBA operations began at the Bayport Complex, with the first PO/TBA unit starting up in 1969. Through 50-plus years of global experience with PO/TBA operations and applying new innovations in yield improvement and PO recovery, the PO/TBA plant at the Channelview Complex is the most energy efficient PO/TBA facility in company history.

Propylene Oxide (PO)
PO goes into making polyurethane foam typically used to create mattresses and car and furniture seat cushions. It is also used to make insulation, which can be used to increase the energy efficiency of homes and businesses.

Other common end uses for these products include liquid detergents, toothpaste, cosmetics, paints and spandex fabrics.

Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA)
TBA is converted to produce two ether-based oxyfuels, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE). Both MTBE and ETBE are high-octane fuel additives that help gasoline burn more efficiently, reducing emissions from automobiles.

June 1, 2023

LyondellBasell Pursues New Electric Furnace (eFurnace) Technology, Collaborates with Technip Energies and ChevronPhillips

LyondellBasell today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Technip Energies and Chevron Phillips Chemical to potentially design, construct and operate a demonstration unit using Technip Energies' electric steam cracking furnace technology (eFurnace by T.EN™). A joint development agreement is expected to be signed later this year.

This new eFurnace technology could enable the company to use renewable electricity as a heat source for the olefins cracking process in the future, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of its olefins production process, and helping the company meet its ambitious climate targets.

"We are taking decisive steps to reduce our absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, while creating solutions for everyday sustainable living," said Peter Vanacker, CEO of LyondellBasell. "Deployment of an industrial-scale electric cracking furnace is one option we are considering in this space because of its ability to reduce furnace GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional furnace."

Construction of the demonstration unit, which would be the first for LyondellBasell, is an essential step in the development of eFurnace technology and a critical pre-condition for potential future construction of a full-scale unit. It will enable the company to test the technology and confirm continuous olefin production is possible using electricity as a heat source.

"We are delighted to team up with LyondellBasell and CPChem to bring the eFurnace by T.EN™ to fruition," said Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies. "Consistent with our purpose to engineer a much-needed sustainable future, Technip Energies is making huge strides toward reducing the CO₂emissions resulting from the production of ethylene and this design will enable olefins producers to take advantage of the growing supply of available renewable energy to operate the most energy-intensive part of the plant."

The LyondellBasell Channelview site offers an optimal environment for the demonstration unit due to its operational excellence, feedstock flexibility and electric grid infrastructure, proximity to the other MOU parties and access to expertise at the company's Houston Technology Center. The three parties plan to assemble a joint development team to support implementation of the project.

"Climate change is a global issue that will take action from all segments of society, and we want to be part of the solution by reducing the intensity of our carbon footprint," said Bruce Chinn, President and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical. "This project supports our efforts toward lowering the carbon intensity of our operations and demonstrates our continued focus on accelerating change for a sustainable future."

LyondellBasell is committed to reaching net zero scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and has set ambitious interim targets to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42%, and scope 3 GHG emissions 30% by 2030, relative to a 2020 baseline. To reach these targets, the company is deploying emissions reduction initiatives at its sites. The company has also announced plans to develop an integrated hub in Houston to support the growth of its circular and low carbon solutions business, which will leverage existing capabilities at its sites in Houston, such as Channelview.

Jan. 16, 2024 　

LyondellBasell Enters into Agreement to Acquire 35% of Saudi Arabia-based NATPET; Expands Core PP Business

Technology-enabled JV increases LYB access to advantaged feedstocks and attractive markets
Transaction encompasses existing assets and planned growth projects

LyondellBasell (LYB) today announced it entered into an agreement to acquire a 35% interest in Saudi Arabia–based National Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET) from Alujain Corporation (Alujain) for approximately $500 million. Enabled by its Spheripol polypropylene (PP) technology, the joint venture positions LYB to grow and upgrade its core PP business through access to advantaged feedstocks, plus additional product marketing capacity, in a strategic region.

National Petrochemical Industrial Co. (NATPET) is a Saudi Arabian company producing Polypropylene (PP) resin since the year 2009. The plant is located in Yanbu Industrial City on the west coast of Saudi Arabia having a name-plate production capacity of 400,000 MT/Year.

NATPET PP plant is using the state-of-the-art LyondellBasell licensed Spheripol technology producing a market-defined range of distinguished quality of PP resins. The plant is enjoying the sustainable advantage of producing its own high quality main raw material, Propylene, through an integrated Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) plant.

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2023/12/10　　Alujain closes acquisition of NATPET, ups ownership to 97.55%

Alujain Corp. closed the acquisition of National Petrochemical Industrial Co. (NATPET) after completing the share swap and cash consideration payment.

In a statement to Tadawul today, Dec. 10, Alujain said its ownership in NATPET rose to 97.55% from 88.59%.

AlJazira Capital was the financial advisor on the acquisition, the statement added.

In October, Alujain signed a share purchase agreement with NATPET, under which the former bought 9.59 million shares, or 8.96% of NATPET, via a nearly 6.2 million share swap and a cash consideration of SAR 90.3 million, Argaam earlier reported.

Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary closing conditions. Alujain and LYB are also assessing together potential construction of a new propylene via propane dehydrogenation (PDH) and PP facility at the NATPET site, subject to a final investment decision. The project is being studied with a shared goal to implement solutions that align with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 2060 carbon reduction strategy.

Alujain is a petrochemicals, energy, mining and metals company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As majority owner of NATPET, the company is a longtime licensee of LYB Spheripol PP technology, one of the solutions it uses to operate a propylene and PP complex in Yanbu Industrial City. NATPET currently has an annual PP production capacity of approximately 400,000 tons.

"This investment in NATPET reflects our strategy of growing and upgrading our core around assets and businesses with lasting advantages," said LYB CEO Peter Vanacker. "We are pleased to invest in this joint venture, which leverages LYB's technology, leading global market positions and Alujain's proven operational excellence. We expect the joint venture will add value both through our ownership interest, as well as marketing of the products in key regions."

"We welcome the opportunity to deepen our ties with LYB, first as licensee and now as joint venture partner," said Alujain Chairman Mohammed Bin Saleh AlKhalil. "We look forward to advancing our collective efforts to produce and market essential materials that serve our customers' needs across the globe. This new investment is a great step forward for developing the downstream sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Alujain has plans to drive these developments further."

About LyondellBasell
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

About Alujain Corporation
Alujain Corporation was established in 1991 with a view to adding value to Saudi Arabia's natural hydrocarbon and mineral resources. It is a listed Saudi joint stock company and its head office is in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alujain's main strategic objectives are to identify, evaluate, promote, develop and invest/operate major industrial projects in petrochemicals, mining, metals, energy sectors and other projects, with a commitment to creating value for its shareholder by utilizing local strengths and talents, capacities, wealth and natural resources, also setting the highest standards of national, social and environmental responsibility.

May 30, 2024

LyondellBasell Expands Core PP Business with 35% Stake in NATPET from Alujain in Saudi Arabia

LyondellBasell (LYB) and Alujain Corporation (Alujain) today announced completion of the acquisition of a 35% interest in Saudi Arabia–based National Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET) by LYB from Alujain.

Jan. 16, 2024 　LyondellBasell Enters into Agreement to Acquire 35% of Saudi Arabia-based NATPET; Expands Core PP Business

2023/12/10　　Alujain closes acquisition of NATPET, ups ownership to 97.55%

The joint venture is enabled by LYB Spheripol polypropylene (PP) technology and positions LYB to profitably expand its core PP business by gaining access to advantaged feedstocks and additional product marketing volumes.

"This investment in NATPET reflects our commitment to grow and upgrade our core businesses and strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia through a new long-term partnership," said LYB CEO Peter Vanacker. "With our strategic partner Alujain, the joint venture will leverage LYB's leading technology and global market positions. Customers will enjoy enhanced supply reliability through a larger global operations and marketing network."

"We are very pleased to strengthen our partnership with LYB," said Mohammed Bin Saleh AlKhalil, Chairman of Alujain. "We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to produce essential high-end materials that serve our customers' needs locally and across the globe. This investment as well marks a significant stride toward enhancing the propylene downstream sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in full alignment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Industry Strategies."

NATPET currently has approximately 400,000 tons of annual PP production capacity. LYB will market the majority of the volume of the joint venture's production through its global network. Alujain and LYB are also jointly assessing the construction of a new propylene via propane dehydrogenation (PDH) and PP facility at the NATPET site, subject to a final investment decision. The project is being developed with a shared goal of targeting high-end products, and implementing solutions that align with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 2060 Carbon reduction strategy.