Two-packs, four-packs, six-packs, Fridge-packs, club-packs — none would be possible without secondary packaging. From carrying aids to containers with added function, manufacturers are expanding options with consumers in mind. Consumer and retailer conservation concerns also are shaping the category’s future, as sustainability becomes an important issue.

Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) has successfully started up its Petrochemical Complex in Al-Jubail Industrial City, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SEPC, formed in 2006, is a joint venture owned by LyondellBasell Industries (25%) and Tasnee and Sahara Petrochemical Company (75%).

LyondellBasell Industries will feature its world-class polyolefins technology, production and marketing offerings at Interplastica 2008, Russia’s premier trade fair for the plastics and rubber industries. Interplastica will be held January 29 through February 1 at Moscow’s Exhibition Center in Krasnaya Presnya. Visit LyondellBasell at stand 1D 28/E29 in Hall 1.

Searching for information about polyolefins on Basell’s redesigned web site is now a lot easier.

At Interplastica 2008 for the very first time the Brueckner Group is present with a joint booth

PetroChina Company Ltd. has selected Basell’s Hostalen technology for two new high density polyethylene plants; a 300 KT per year plant in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and a 350 KT per year plant in Fushun, Liaoning province, China. Start-up for both plants is expected to be in 2011.

As an increasing number of brand owners begin to evaluate their product packaging for sustainability—whether to meet mandatory retail initiatives or to reap some of the rewards associated with greater environmental stewardship—one area of great interest is the use of bioplastics as a replacement for traditional, petroleum-based polymer packaging. But what exactly constitutes a bioplastic?

Alastian is an unique way of buying polyolefins via Internet which became available for CIS customers less than half a year ago. General Manager of the project, Mr Filip Van De Vliet kindly agreed to answer any questions from current and potential users of this model. Text of the interview is available in Russian and English language. Check the updates!