JBF Industries Launches Europe's Largest PET Plant in Belgium

At a glance
  • The plant in Geel is designed to produce 432,000 m.t./year of PET.
  • Commercial production has begun on the first line with a capacity of 216,000 m.t./year.
  • The second production line is expected to start this month.
  • The Geel unit receives purified terephthalic acid feedstock from BP Chembel's 1.3 million m.t./year plant.

Plant Overview

JBF Industries has commenced operations at its new PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plant in Geel, Belgium. This facility, co-located with British Petroleum's (BP) PTA (purified terephthalic acid) plant, is the largest of its kind in Europe, designed to produce 432,000 metric tons per year of PET.

Production Capacity

The plant has started commercial production on the first of its two lines, which has a capacity of 216,000 metric tons per year. The second production line is scheduled to come online this month, doubling the plant's output capacity.

Supply Chain Integration

The Geel unit benefits from its proximity to BP Chembel’s PTA facility, which supplies the necessary purified terephthalic acid feedstock. This co-location ensures a continuous supply of raw materials and reduces logistical costs for JBF Industries.

Market Demand

Currently, JBF does not supply bottle-grade chips to the European Union market. However, the company recognizes a strong demand for these products in the EU, which remains a net importer of bottle-grade chips.