Borealis rides the plastics boom in CIS

11-Apr-06

Borealis has benefited by the rapid growth and use of polyolefins in Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) over the past decade, as sales have quadrupled in the last four years. This growth has been achieved by developing business to become the leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions in the region. Borealis' overall growth in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific area is through Borouge a joint partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). With Russia and the CIS countries investing further in infrastructure, demand for innovative plastics solutions grows along with a need for plastics in packaging. Per capita plastic consumption is rising fast from a low base. The specific market, geographical and climatic conditions found in Russia and CIS countries has led Borealis to develop unique solutions that fit the particular needs of this vast and varied region. Examples include: - Steel pipe coating: Coating materials capable of providing high-performance under extreme conditions are essential for coping with Russia's vast differences in terrain and climate. Borealis's Borcoat* HE3450 HDPE top coat and Borcoat ME0420 grafted PE adhesive, provides an efficient solution for the long-term protection of steel pipes against corrosion. Over the coming years, 4200 km of 1067 mm pipeline shall connect East Siberian oilfields with the Pacific Coast to supply the Asia-Pacific region. - Packaging: Polymer film and moulding market continues to show stable growth due to the expansion in applications triggered by a continuous increase in demand for polyolefins in Russia's home market for packaging applications coupled by major international food companies placing their own production facilities in the region. As a result, the polymer film and moulding market is showing stable growth due to the expansion in applications. - Wire and cable: Russia has been investing heavily in its telecommunication network to cover all the densely populated parts of the Russian territory and to link the east and west of the country, rapidly advancing its communication technology. Borealis participated in the Transtelecom project to install 45,000 km of fibre optic cable line, running alongside all mainline railways, for far-distant connection telecommunication.