- In April 2023, BASF SE (Germany) announced a significant investment in the expansion of its ethylene cracker unit in Antwerp, Belgium. The upgrade is aimed at enhancing production efficiency and reducing carbon emissions through the integration of advanced steam cracking technologies. This move supports BASF’s long-term strategy toward sustainable ethylene production aligned with its climate-neutral targets
- In March 2023, Exxon Mobil Corporation (US) commenced operations at its new Baytown chemical expansion project in Texas, US, which includes a large-scale ethylene production facility. The site is expected to add approximately 1.5 million metric tons per year of ethylene capacity, strengthening ExxonMobil’s position in the North American ethylene market and catering to growing demand in packaging and industrial sectors
- In March 2023, SABIC (Saudi Arabia), in partnership with ExxonMobil, announced the mechanical completion of the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV) project in Texas, US. The joint venture includes an ethane steam cracker with an annual capacity of 1.8 million metric tons of ethylene. The facility is strategically located to leverage US shale gas feedstock, improving production economics and competitiveness
- In February 2023, INEOS (UK) confirmed progress on its Project ONE in Antwerp, Belgium, a state-of-the-art ethylene production facility projected to be the most environmentally sustainable of its kind in Europe. The plant will utilize advanced technologies to achieve the lowest carbon footprint per ton of ethylene produced, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal objectives
- In January 2023, LyondellBasell Industries (Netherlands/US) announced the launch of its Circular Steam Cracker Initiative, aimed at transforming its ethylene production process at selected sites to incorporate waste-derived feedstocks. The initiative supports the company’s broader goals for circular economy integration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its ethylene value chain
