Brazilian polyolefins producer Braskem said that it has started commercial production at its new $750 million polypropylene plant in La Porte, Texas, which is capable of producing 450 kilotons (kt) or a billion pounds per year.

Braskem said that the new polypropylene production line is capable of producing the entire polypropylene portfolio, which includes a broad variety of products such as homopolymer, random copolymers, and impact copolymer.

Construction on the polypropylene plant in La Porte began in late 2017 and in June 2020, the last phase of mechanical construction was wrapped up.

Braskem said that the start of commercial production follows the successful completion of the commissioning process and also the achievement of its high product quality assurance protocols.

Mark Nikolich – Braskem America CEO said: “The launch of commercial production at our new world class polypropylene production line in La Porte clearly affirms Braskem’s position as the North American polypropylene market leader. Our investment of $750 million in the largest polypropylene production line in the Americas, and the first new polypropylene plant in North America since 2008, reflects our enduring commitment to meeting the needs of our clients today and for the long-term.

“With the upcoming launch of our new Global Export Hub in Charleston, South Carolina, we’ll significantly increase our ability to serve clients throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia with our newly expanded U.S. production capability.”

Braskem claimed that the construction of the polypropylene plant in La Porte has positively impacted the economy in the Texas Gulf Coast region by employing nearly 1,300 development and construction workers. A further 50 permanent full-time roles were created by Braskem for supporting long-term commercial production at the polypropylene facility.

  Braskem, La Porte, Mark Nikolich, polypropylene, Texas, USA