Sumitomo Chemical to shift to high-value polyolefins

Sumitomo Chemical is pushing ahead with facility modifications and conversions at its operations in Japan, Singapore and the U.S. to increase production of polyolefins with high value added. Sumitomo now manufactures 300,000 tons per year of polyethylene (PE) and 340,000 tons per year of polypropylene (PP) in Japan, 250,000 tons per year of PE and 615,000 tons per year of PP in Singapore, and 360,000 tons per year of PP in the U.S. In Japan, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) production facility will be converted to make high-grade PE this fall. In addition, a decision has been made to modify PP plants in Singapore and the U.S. in 2008, to increase supply volumes of high-grade PP for automotive applications. (September 20, 2007)