- The Knapsack site now has a total annual production capacity of over 200 kilotons.
- The new production line adds 25 kilotons per year.
- The expansion created 12 new jobs.
- Audi's Q5 model uses LyondellBasell's Hifax product series for a spoiler component.
Expansion at Knapsack Facility
LyondellBasell's Knapsack, Germany site has become the world’s largest polypropylene compounding facility with the addition of its fifth production line. This expansion increases the site's total annual production capacity to over 200 kilotons (kt) per year, with the new line contributing an additional 25 kt per year.
Supporting Growing Demand
This expansion is part of a series of debottlenecking projects across LyondellBasell’s polypropylene compounding plants in Europe, aimed at meeting the rising demand for lightweight polymers. These materials are crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of electric vehicles.
Applications in Automotive Industry
LyondellBasell’s lightweight polymers are used by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 customers for automotive and electrical appliance applications. For instance, Audi’s new Q5 model incorporates LyondellBasell’s Hifax product series for a spoiler component in its front bumper, benefiting from the material's lightweight properties, high-quality finish, scratch performance, and ultraviolet resistance.
Global Presence
The Knapsack facility is a significant addition to LyondellBasell’s Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) global business, which includes sites in the UK, Germany, China, Mexico, Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, and the United States. The expansion at Knapsack has also created 12 new jobs, bringing the total number of employees at the site to approximately 160.
