Braskem starts up new UHMWPE plant in Texas

Braskem’s new ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene facility at La Porte, Texas, which began construction in 2014, is the company’s first UHMWPE site outside of Brazil. (Source: Braskem)

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Braskem has commenced the startup of its ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) production plant in La Porte, Texas, the Brazil-based polyolefins producer said Wednesday.

Braskem sells UHMWPE under the trade name UTEC.

The plant was originally expected to have a start up at the beginning of 2016. The company later planned the start up around the fourth quarter of 2016.

According to Braskem, the new production facility allows Braskem to better serve its clients in North America, and via exports, its European clients.

Braskem describes UHMWPE as more resistant to abrasions and impacts than typical polyethylene (PE), eight times lighter than steel and able to last 10 times longer than high density PE (HDPE). It is used in applications spanning from auto parts, electronics, textiles and plates for body armour.