Expansions: Petronet LNG selects Lummus’ tech for PP plant in India; Jindal Poly Films to expand BOPP capacity in India

Technology provider Lummus Technology has announced an award from Petronet LNG Ltd to license Lummus’ Novolen polypropylene (PP) technology for a new US$2.4 billion, 500 kilotonnes/year plant in Dahej, Gujarat, India.

Lummus’ scope includes the technology license and basic engineering, training and catalyst supply for the new plant.

This plant will address India’s growing demand for polypropylene and strengthen its domestic packaging and consumer goods markets. These all align with the government’s initiatives to boost industrial growth, create job opportunities and promote sustainable development.

By increasing domestic PP production, Petronet LNG will reduce dependence on imports and contribute to the country's economic development. The construction and operation of the plant will generate numerous job opportunities, supporting the local economy and providing a skilled workforce with sustainable employment. Petronet LNG's focus on sustainability ensures that the new plant will operate with minimal environmental impact, in line with national and global environmental goals.

“This award strengthens Novolen’s position in India and around the world, reinforcing it as the industry’s leader for producing high-quality polypropylene,” said Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer of Polymers and Petrochemicals, Lummus Technology.

“Our proven technology will provide Petronet LNG with several competitive advantages including reduced energy consumption, product flexibility, lower CAPEX and OPEX, and maximised financial returns throughout the plant’s lifecycle,” he added.

Meanwhile in other news, India’s flexible packaging giant Jindal Poly Films Ltd, part of BC Jindal Group, has announced a capacity expansion with a new BOPP line in Nashik, Maharashtra. The new line, expected to be commissioned in 2026 will see a capex commitment of INR250 crores and produce a capacity of 60,000 tonnes/year.

The capacity expansion is part of the company’s strategic play in the BOPP segment and is in line with the company’s aim to increase market share amidst challenging demand-supply imbalances leading to ongoing pricing pressures in the sector. The expansion comes in the backdrop of impressive top-line growth accompanied by a 142% rise in EBITDA in Quarter 1 of FY’25 and to maintain its market leadership despite business headwinds.

The company says its new line is expected to be the most advanced in the market, boasting superior width and output capabilities. It will produce high-OD rolls up to 1,700 mm, optimising efficiency for downstream processes such as metallising.

Sharing his views on the strategic expansion, Vinod Kumar Gupta, CEO, said, “Building on the momentum of our strong Q1 performance, this investment is a strategic step to further strengthen our market position and drive sustainable growth. The packaging industry is fundamentally a cyclical business, and the industry is witnessing a market correction at this point of time. Going forward the new BOPP line positions us to deliver exceptional value to our customers. With this expansion, we are enhancing our ability to meet and exceed customer expectations with a diverse range of high-performance films. Moreover, this move aligns perfectly with our goals of improving operational efficiency and sets us up well to leverage business upturns as we continue to maintain market leadership.”

The commissioning of the new line will bolster Jindal Poly Films Ltd.’s growth story. It highlights the company’s commitment to technological advancement, quality enhancement, cost optimisation and innovation, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction.

As the flexible packaging market continues to evolve, Jindal Poly Films Ltd through its subsidiary JPFL Films, says it is better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Since its entry into flexible film manufacturing business in 1996, Jindal Poly Films Ltd. (JPFL) has turned into an over US$500 million turnover company with 2,500+ workforce. JPFL commands the highest market share in the country and its Nasik Plant, owned by one of its subsidiary JPFL Films Private Limited is the world’s largest single location facility for the manufacturing of flexible packaging films.

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