Polypropylene technology

The ExxonMobil polypropylene process that is currently offered for license was introduced in 1989 and has demonstrated some of the highest single-line production capacities in the industry, today operating at more than 400 kta. Licensees of this technology will achieve outstanding economies of scale in new plant design and benefit from the experience of a world leader in technology development and licensing.

Track record of success
With 1.8 million tons per year currently in operation or under construction, ExxonMobil Chemical successfully operates and continues to invest in this technology in several regions around the world, with individual line sizes ranging in capacity from 200 kta to more than 400 kta. In fact, no other licensor has the hands-on operational experience of ExxonMobil Chemical with plants of this scale. Recent start-ups have quickly achieved and exceeded design targets.

Proven economies of scale
Investment cost for a single 400 kta line based on the ExxonMobil process could be as much as 30% less than two smaller lines of equivalent total capacity. Also, a single large line requires less workforce and has less equipment to maintain than two smaller lines.

Safe, reliable and cost-effective operation
Equipment design and facilities layouts are optimized for lower investment and maintenance costs and simpler operation, with control systems and procedures to ensure product quality and consistency with proven, designed-in safety features. High reliability is achieved through experience-based design and operating procedures using ExxonMobil Chemical best practices.

Market-leading products
Licensees can access the full range of homopolymer, random copolymer and impact copolymer products with market-leading product designs in key applications such as oriented polypropylene films, nonwovens and injection molding. The full range of ExxonMobil Chemical’s commercially produced PP products is available to the licensee.

Catalyst flexibility
Unique among licensors, ExxonMobil does not make or sell catalysts for PP production or require licensees to use a specific catalyst. With input from the licensee, we will recommend a catalyst solid appropriate for the licensee’s product and commercial needs. Flexibility to choose catalysts and suppliers in combination with ExxonMobil Chemical proprietary electron donor technology ensures a cost-effective solution optimized for the desired product slate.