Ineos Styrolution to build 600 kt-ABS plant in China

Styrenics maker Ineos Styrolution plans to build a world-scale ABS plant in Ningbo, China, with a capacity of 600,000 tonnes/year. Construction is planned to start later this year with completion expected in 2023.

The new production site will be adjacent to the recently acquired polystyrene (PS) plant in Ningbo.

Less than a year after announcing the acquisition of two polystyrene production sites in China, the company is embarking on plans to further grow its production capacity in the country significantly. The company plans to construct a green field ABS plant adjacent to the Ningbo PS site in the Zhejiang Province in Eastern China.

The announcements made by Ineos Styrolution form part of a wider Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government signed by Ineos. This framework agreement will help facilitate mutual benefit between Ineos and Ningbo City.

“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,” Steve Harrington, President Asia-Pacific said.

“Asia has been identified by us as a significant growth market,” adds Kevin McQuade, CEO Ineos Styrolution. “Today’s announcement shows our dedication to our Triple Shift growth strategy. As the global leader in styrenics, we are committed to supporting our Chinese customers’ growth with our new local production capacities.

ABS is targeted at cars and other transportation for body panels, spoilers, bumpers and interiors, helping to reduce weight and improve designs. It is used in medical devices for blood access, enclosures for electrical and electronic assemblies, protective headgear, even musical instruments such as recorders, plastic oboes, clarinets, and piano movements. Kitchen appliances, and toys such as building blocks are made from ABS. Keyboard keycaps, you are typing on at the moment and computer housings use it. Styrolution has also developed Terluran ECO materials which combine recycling and high-performance through the use of up to 70% recycling ABS content from post-consumer waste.