LyondellBasell starts operations at HDPE plant in Münchsmünster, Germany

09-Sep-10

LyondellBasell Industries has started operation at the 320,000 tpa Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) high density polyethylene plant at the site in Münchsmünster, Germany. The start up follows two years of construction, preparatory tests and test runs on the plant’s components. The plant enhances LyondellBasell’s flexibility to supply advanced HDPE grades to customers in Europe and the Middle East. Hostalen ACP technology surpasses standard bimodal HDPE performance by producing resins with an advanced toughness/stiffness balance, superior impact resistance, higher stress crack resistance, good organoleptics and processing advantages. Other technology features include excellent plant reliability, fast grade changes and high monomer conversion rates. Typical customer applications include thin-wall packaging, caps and closures, large blow molding and textiles for packaging. “Multimodal HDPE grades offer significant cost savings through processability improvements, downgauging and energy savings,” explained Tassilo Bader, LyondellBasell’s vice president, Polyethylene and Polyolefins Solutions – Europe, Asia and International.