Polish chemical conglomerate Grupa Azoty is planning to start commercial sales of polypropylene in European markets in August, following start-up of its 429,000 t/yr polypropylene unit this week.
The PP unit is part of a new integrated propane dehydrogenation (PDH) to PP complex. The company has not commented on the start up of the PDH unit. The first large shipment of propane feedstock was made in April, but good availability of propylene and low spot prices in Europe would also allow the import of propylene to the complex to feed the PP unit as it ramps up operations.
The complex in Police, northwest Poland, started production of polypropylene as part of "technological start-up", Azoty said. The company said production would be gradually increased, allowing for the start of commercial supplies in August. The company will market its polypropylene using its Gryfilen brand.
The project includes a sea terminal allowing Azoty to import feedstock including ethylene and propane and store products for exports. The company expects to consume around 500,000 t/yr of propane and 13,000 t/yr of ethylene, when the entire complex is running. The terminal includes 80,000m³ storage capacity for propane and 14,000m³ propylene storage. The PDH/PP unit will also have capacity to produce 17,000 t/yr of hydrogen, Azoty said.
