Thailand’s TPI Polene swings to LDPE output on weak EVA market

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Thailand’s TPI Polene has swung production to low density polyethylene (LDPE) as scheduled at one of the two reactors at its 158,000 tonne/year ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/LDPE swing plant on the back of bearish EVA market conditions, a company official said on Monday.

The plant comprises two tubular reactors out of which one reactor is dedicated to EVA production.

The official said that LDPE production commenced on 13 May and that the dedicated EVA production unit is currently producing EVA normally.

During the week ended 9 May, the spot prices of EVA with 14-20% vinyl acetate (VA) content in China were at $1,350-1,410/tonne CFR (cost & freight) China Main Port (CMP), a $50/tonne reduction on the high end of the range, ICIS data showed.