Braskem expects to start-up new US PP plant in Q3 2020

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Braskem is continuing with construction activities and plans to start-up its new 450,000 tonnes/year polypropylene (PP) plant in La Porte, Texas, by Q3, a company spokesperson said on Monday.

The project construction is nearing completion with employees and contractors observing enhanced safety measures and the company plans to transition to the commissioning phase soon.

The new PP plant, known as the Delta project, represents an investment of $675m. Construction began in 2017.

Braskem currently operates five PP plants in the US, in Texas, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, with a combined capacity of 1.589m tonnes/year, according to the ICIS Supply and Demand Database.

PP is used for packaging, ropes, carpets, plastic parts, loudspeakers and automotive parts.

Major US PP producers include Braskem, ExxonMobil, Formosa, INEOS, LyondellBasell, Phillips 66 and Total Petrochemicals.

Additional reporting by Al Greenwood

Thumbnail image shows products made of PP. Photo by Al Greenwood