Ineos to build world-scale styrene plant in China

INEOS Styrolution, a global styrenics supplier, is to build a 600,000 t/y greenfield acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plant in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

ABS is a lightweight, durable plastic used in a range of products. It is being used increasingly in cars and other transportation for body panels, spoilers, bumpers, and interiors to reduce weight and improve designs. Additional uses include medical devices for blood access, enclosures for electrical and electronic assemblies, and protective headgear.

The announcement forms part of a wider strategic cooperation agreement between Ineos and the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government, signed on 9 January, which aims to help facilitate mutual benefit between the company and the city.

After announcing the completed acquisition of two polystyrene production sites in China less than a year ago, Ineos says it plans to grow its production capacity in the country. According to Keven McQuade, CEO of Ineos Styrolution, the company has identified Asia as a significant growth market.

The new plant is to be located adjacent to the acquired Ningbo site in the Zhejiang Province, Eastern China.

Construction is to begin this year, and completion planned for 2023.

Steve Harrington, President of Ineos Styrolution Asia-Pacific, commented: “China is the biggest ABS market in the world. This new investment will give us a tremendous opportunity to provide our customers in the region with locally-produced ABS grades.”