Czech chemical industry news

• WACKER to Build Silicone Production Site in Czech Republic

  11 January 2024

  Specialties

  

  New site in Karlovy Vary to produce specialty silicones by end of 2025, creating 200 jobs. Focus on room-temperature-vulcanizing silicones, later adding high-temperature-vulcanizing compounds.
• ORLEN Unipetrol Invests CZK 370 Million in Ammonia Production Modernisation

  11 July 2023

  Base chemistryFood

  

  The modernised ammonia unit in Litvínov boosts efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions, and increases recovery rates. The new reactor, operational since spring, supports ORLEN Unipetrol's decarbonisation goals.
• Synthos to Halt ESBR Production at Kralupy Plant

  2 March 2023

  

  Production will cease in Q2 2023 due to high utility costs and geopolitical issues. Annual ESBR capacity will drop from 430,000 to 320,000 tonnes. Other rubber types will continue production in Poland and Germany.
• PKN ORLEN and LOTOS Group Merger Nears Completion

  12 January 2022

  

  Four partners selected to meet EU conditions, ensuring energy security, diversification, and expansion into new markets. No collective redundancies planned; focus on strategic growth and R&D.
• Arxada Invests CHF 20m in Czech Biotech Plant

  18 November 2021

  CDMO

  

  The investment will enhance infrastructure, expand technological options, and increase formulation capacity to support a growing customer base and accelerate project development.

• ORLEN Unipetrol Tests Chemical Recycling of Plastics in Czech Republic

  13 May 2021

  Biobased & CircularPolymersEnergy

  

  A pyrolytic unit in Litvínov explores chemical recycling of plastic waste, aiming to integrate it into standard production, reduce carbon footprint, and comply with EU policies.
• Unipetrol to Build Pyrolytic Unit for Plastic Waste in Czech Republic

  9 March 2020

  Biobased & CircularPolymersEnergy

  

  The new unit will explore chemical recycling of plastic waste, aiming to implement it in production. The project is supported by various Czech institutions and EU funding, targeting a circular economy.
• Vow ASA to Provide Pyrolysis Unit for Unipetrol

  25 February 2020

  Biobased & CircularPolymersEnergy

  

  The pilot plant, funded publicly, will be operational in 2020, showcasing ETIA’s Biogreen pyrolysis unit for plastic to fuel, with intellectual property protected and results shared with Vow ASA.
• Unipetrol Builds Logistics Facility for New Polyethylene Unit

  20 June 2016

  Polymers

  

  A 700 million CZK contract was awarded for a logistics facility to handle 270,000 tons of HDPE granules, including 40 storage silos, packaging hall extension, and new offices, to be completed by Q1 2018.
• Unipetrol Begins Construction of New Polyethylene Unit

  7 June 2016

  Polymers

  

  The new unit, costing 8.5 billion crowns, will be among Europe's most advanced, boosting production capacity and quality. Completion is expected by mid-2018, employing up to 800 workers.
• SPOLCHEMIE to Implement Membrane Electrolysis

  30 October 2015

  Base chemistry

  

  The new plant, operational in late 2016, will produce 60,000dmt of KOH and 43,000dmt of NaOH, replacing mercury electrolysis to meet EU environmental standards and enhance market position.
• Unipetrol to Build New Polyethylene Unit

  10 September 2015

  Polymers

  

  The €310M project will replace an older unit, boosting capacity to 270 kt/year. Construction starts Q2 2016, with local subcontractors. The new unit uses INEOS technology and targets new industrial segments.
• Electrolysis Plant Permit Extended for Spolana

  13 November 2013

  Base chemistry

  

  The Czech authorities extended the electrolysis plant permit until June 2017, requiring technological updates by March 2017. This decision supports both environmental and economic interests.