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Upgraded TPA production to start up

Reconstruction of the terephthalic acid facility completed at POLIEF.

SIBUR’s Blagoveshchensk site has completed the reconstruction of the terephthalic acid (TPA) production facility to increase its output from 272 ktpa to 350 ktpa and lessen reliance on imports substantially. In Russia, current TPA consumption amounts to around 500 ktpa. Terephthalic acid (TPA) is a precursor to both polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the world’s most widespread polymers, and eco-friendly plasticisers for toys, flooring and other products.

SIBUR is Russia's only producer of TPA and the largest producer of PET.

Held on 15 August, the opening ceremony of the new facilities was attended by Radiy Khabirov, Acting Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Pavel Sorokin, Deputy Minister of Energy, Dmitry Konov, Chairman of SIBUR Holding's Management Board, and Mikhail Yurin, CEO of POLIEF.

Overall, the reconstruction spanned six months and covered more than 150 units of the core process equipment as well as most of the auxiliary equipment at POLIEF. A state-of-the-art gas oxidiser, built at the facility, will halve emissions, while the new air cooling system will virtually eliminate excessive evaporation into the atmosphere due to vapour reuse in the process. The method will improve the site’s energy efficiency a lot. On top of that, transition to rotary pressure filters will translate into 1.5 times lower industrial wastewater discharges.

Radiy Khabirov, Acting Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Dmitry Konov, Chairman of SIBUR Holding's Management Board, and Mikhail Yurin, CEO of POLIEF, attending the ceremony.

More than RUB 6 bn was spent on the project, including an approximately RUB 1 bn loan from the Foundation for Development of Single-Industry Towns.

In Russia, current TPA consumption amounts to around 500 ktpa.

“That would be challenging to run the project without the republic’s support, and I am delighted to see this outcome of our joint efforts. This is a major milestone in terms of developing the industry, region and company, as well as creating a comfortable and safe working environment for our employees. I am confident that the facility will keep developing,” said Dmitry Konov, Chairman of SIBUR Holding's Management Board.

“By launching this facility, POLIEF once again proved to be no just the only producer of terephthalic acid, but also the best one out there. We share your joy as the production upgrade means more jobs, taxes, along with social and economic progress in the republic. I wish to extend my gratitude to the management team and all the employees for the progress you have made,” said Radiy Khabirov, Acting Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan.


polief tpa Dmitry Konov Mikhail Yurin

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