Expansions: China’s SHCCIG Yulin to use LyondellBasell tech for PO plants; Dhunseri Group to expand packaging films business in India

LyondellBasell (LYB), the world’s largest licensor of polyolefin technologies, has announced that SHCCIG Yulin Chemical Co, will license four key technologies for a major new petrochemical complex in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China.

The comprehensive technology package includes Spheripol and Spherizone technologies for two polypropylene plants (400 kilotonnes/year each), Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (Hostalen ACP) technology for a high-density polyethylene plant (300 kilotonnes/year), and Lupotech T technology for a vinyl acetate copolymer plant (300 kilotonnes/year).

“We are pleased that SHCCIG Yulin Chemical has awarded LyondellBasell these substantial licenses for the production of an extensive range of differentiating polyolefins,” said Patrik Schneider, senior director of licensing at LyondellBasell. “This comprehensive technology selection will enable SHCCIG Yulin Chemical to manufacture high-performance polypropylene and polyethylene products for diverse applications, while also producing vinyl acetate copolymer materials that support renewable energy applications, particularly photovoltaic encapsulants that contribute to the global energy transition”.

Xie Wuqiang, Vice General Manager of SHCCIG Yulin Chemical said, “Collaborating with the teams of the leading global licensor in polyolefin catalyst and process technology gives us additional confidence that the project will become a full success even in a more complex market environment. The LyondellBasell collaborative approach, focus on durable grades, extensive catalyst range, and the ability to produce EVA photovoltaic encapsulant materials were key process technology selection criteria for us. ”

Spheripol technology process technology has more than 33 million tonnes of licensed PP capacity, while the Spherizone multi-zone circulating reactor (MZCR) provides a platform to manufacture PP products with enhanced product properties. More than 10 million tonnes of the Spherizone process for differentiated PP production capacity has been licensed by LyondellBasell around the world.

In other news, India’s Dhunseri Group is investing around US$254 million by the financial year 2028-29 to enhance its flexible packaging films business through both greenfield and brownfield projects.

The investment aims to expand production capacity and cater to the growing market demand.

For the greenfield project in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, the group has earmarked an investment of about Rs12.4 billion. Additionally, approximately Rs10 billion will be allocated for the brownfield project at Panagarh in West Bengal.

These expansions are expected to be carried out by Dhunseri Poly Films (DPFPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dhunseri Ventures.

Dhunseri Poly Films will expand its operations at Panagarh, which commenced in December 2023, by installing at least two new production lines, one for biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate and another for biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

The company will add two BOPP plants at Kathua. The commercial production from the greenfield plant at Kathua is expected to commence in 2027.

Dhunseri Poly Films serves the domestic market while also exporting to Europe, Bangladesh, and Nepal, with these regions being the major overseas markets.

The parent firm DVL currently operates two PET resin plants with a combined capacity of 696,000 tonnes/year in West Bengal and northern Haryana state through its joint venture subsidiary IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Ltd (IDPIL).

IDPIL is an equal joint venture between Thailand’s Indorama Ventures Ltd (IVL) and DVL.

The joint venture firm also operates a 540,000 tonne/year-PET unit in Egypt.

In September 2024, IDPIL formed a JV with Indian bottling company Varun Beverages to establish several greenfield PET recycling facilities in India.

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