The Spheripol process spurs growth in South America: Pequiven and Braskem select Basell’s technology for a 450 KT per year polypropylene plant.

Pequiven, Petroquímica de Venezuela, the Venezuelan State-owned Company and Braskem, the South American market leader in thermoplastic resins, have signed a license agreement to use Basell’s Spheripol technology for a new 450 KT per year polypropylene plant. The plant will be built by their new joint venture under implementation in Jose, Venezuela, with an expected start-up in 2009.

“The Spheripol process, the most widely used polypropylene technology in the world, is well established in the region and has again been selected for its superior economics, proven track record and broad product slate,” said Just Jansz, President of Basell’s Technology Business. He added, “Continuous improvements in the technology have helped maintain its leading position. Customers appreciate its record of high plant operability, rapid grade changes and demonstrated commercial success.”

Today the Spheripol process is the most widely used polypropylene technology in the world, with more than 19.5 million tonnes of licensed capacity.