Dow restarting Freeport polyethylene unit

Dow today began the start up of its Polyethylene 4 unit in Freeport, Texas, following an earlier shutdown, according to a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The restart is expected to continue through 18 April, resulting in some ethylene emissions. The shutdown occurred following a decomposition reaction at the unit.

It was not immediately clear how long the unit has been down or whether there has been a loss of production. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Dow has approximately 1.685mn t/yr of total PE capacity at its Freeport plant.

By Michelle Klump