- The new PET plant in Schkopau, Germany, has a capacity of 175,000 tonnes/year.
- Total PET output from the Schkopau site is now 335,000 tonnes/year.
- The start-up proceeded despite a reported PTA shortage in Europe.
- Equipolymers is a joint venture between Dow Chemical and PIC.
New PET Plant in Schkopau
Swiss company Equipolymers has commenced production at its new 175,000 tonne/year polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plant in Schkopau, Germany. The plant started operations on schedule, increasing the total PET output from the site to 335,000 tonnes/year.
Raw Material Concerns
The start-up proceeded as planned despite concerns from market players about a shortage of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) in Europe. This raw material is essential for PET production, and its scarcity had raised doubts about the feasibility of the new plant's timely launch.
Joint Venture Background
Equipolymers is a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC). In addition to the new facility in Schkopau, the company also operates a 115,000 tonne/year PET plant in Ottana, Sardinia, Italy.
