GS Caltex on track for PE expansion

South Korean petrochemical producer GS Caltex is on track to expand its polyethylene (PE) expansion once its new polymers unit comes on stream in 2021 or early 2022.

The 500,000 t/yr high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in Yosu will be part of a new wave of polymer investments by South Korean companies. Hanwha Total, Lotte Chemical and S-Oil are also expected to add new polyolefins capacity from now until 2023.

GS Caltex is currently producing 180,000 t/y of polypropylene (PP) at Yosu. Its PP is mainly sold in the South Korean domestic market and neighbouring Asian countries. It is expected to finalise its decision to further expand its PP output by next year.

GS Caltex produces 475,000 t/yr of polymer grade propylene at Yosu, according to Argus data.