US CP Chem to build second unit to produce on-purpose 1-hexene

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Chevron Phillips Chemical (CP Chem) plans to expand its alpha olefins business with a second world-scale unit to produce on-purpose 1-hexene, it said on Wednesday.

The new unit is expected to start up in 2023 with a capacity of 266,000 tonnes/year at Old Ocean, Texas, near CP Chem’s Sweeny facility.

1-hexene is a component in the production of high-performance polyethylene (PE).

“As global PE demand continues to grow, this project demonstrates Chevron Phillips Chemical’s commitment to expand with customer needs and remain a leading 1-hexene supplier,” said Mitch Eichelberger, CP Chem’s executive vice president of polymers and specialties.

CP Chem currently operates two full-range alpha-olefin units and the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene unit at its Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas.

The new unit’s location will provide additional flexibility and production to meet anticipated demand from the company’s growing customer base, while establishing room for continued future growth, it said.

Financial details were not disclosed.

Thumbnail image shows polyethylene. Image by Shutterstock