- In October 2024, SABIC partnered with B!POD, a business unit of SAES Getters, to integrate ocean-bound plastic (OBP)-based polypropylene resin into container manufacturing. The selected material, SABIC PP 576P, is a high-gloss resin from the TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, containing approximately 50% OBP feedstock. This collaboration aims to reduce marine plastic waste while maintaining high-performance standards for food vacuum system containers. The OBP is sourced from plastic waste collected within 50 km of shorelines, then processed through advanced recycling methods
- In September 2024, Braskem launched its bio-circular polypropylene (PP) under the brand name WENEW, marking a major advancement in sustainability for the restaurant and snack food industries. This innovative material is derived from used cooking oil (UCO), promoting circularity by repurposing waste oils instead of relying on fossil-based feedstocks. WENEW maintains the same properties and performance as traditional PP, ensuring a seamless transition for manufacturers. The product is ISCC Plus certified and supports environmental sustainability while reducing carbon footprints in food packaging and consumer goods
- In October 2023, ExxonMobil Corporation launched a new polypropylene plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, increasing its polypropylene production capacity by 15%. The facility, part of ExxonMobil’s Growing the Gulf initiative, represents a $500 million investment, boosting polypropylene output by 450,000 metric tons per year to meet rising demand for lightweight, durable plastics used in automotive, medical, and packaging applications. This expansion strengthens ExxonMobil’s polyolefins manufacturing footprint along the U.S. Gulf Coast
- In June 2023, Braskem signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TotalEnergies to explore collaboration opportunities in the polypropylene sector. This agreement aimed to enhance polypropylene production efficiency and sustainability. The following month, Braskem announced a USD 2.0 billion investment in a new polypropylene plant in Brazil, expected to begin operations in 2026. This facility will strengthen Braskem’s market position and support growing demand for high-performance polymers
- In July 2022, Heartland Polymers, based in Alberta, Canada, successfully commissioned its polypropylene (PP) plant, marking a significant milestone in the polypropylene market. The facility, part of the Heartland Petrochemical Complex, has a planned production capacity of 525,000 tons per year, reinforcing Canada’s role in meeting global demand for this versatile polymer. The plant integrates advanced sustainability measures, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to global PP facilities. This expansion strengthens North America’s polypropylene supply chain, ensuring reliable production and distribution
