2024 Milestones in China's High-End Polyolefin Projects

High-end polyolefins, often referred to as the "soft gold" of plastics, have seen surging demand in recent years, driven by the rapid development of industries such as new energy vehicles and photovoltaics. Below are key milestones in China's high-end polyolefin projects for 2024.

On March 18, 2024, Dingjide Petrochemical launched its new materials project in Changxing Island, Dalian, with a total investment exceeding 12 billion RMB. Phase one is expected to begin production in September 2025, with phase two planned for completion by the end of 2027. Once operational, the project is expected to generate annual revenue of 11.1 billion RMB, filling a gap in China's high-end polyolefin market.

On March 29, 2024, Dongming Zhongyou Fuel and Petrochemical Co., Ltd. filed for a "5,000 tons/year vinyl-based polyolefin elastomer (E-POE) pilot project." E-POE technology uses domestically developed catalysts and standard polymerization equipment to produce POE at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods, while achieving performance metrics on par with or superior to imported products. The innovation not only replaces imported POE but also positions China for global competitiveness.

On June 24, 2024, Satellite Chemical initiated construction of China's first α-olefin-based high-end new materials industrial park in Lianyungang, with a total investment of 26.6 billion RMB. The project aims to expand into advanced materials such as high-end polyolefins, polyethylene elastomers, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, while utilizing by-product hydrogen for energy innovations.

On June 29, 2024, Wanhua Chemical achieved full-scale operation of its 200,000-ton/year POE project, marking China's first large-scale, independently developed POE industrial facility. Phase two of the project, with an additional 400,000 tons/year capacity, is under construction and expected to start production by the end of 2025, bringing Wanhua's total POE capacity to 600,000 tons/year.

In July 2024, Baiouyi Technology approved its 200,000-ton/year high-performance POE and auxiliary project, reinforcing its leadership in China's POE market. The company's proprietary technology has broken foreign monopolies, setting a benchmark for domestic innovation.

On August 21, 2024, Zhejiang Petrochemical announced the successful trial production of its 1,000-ton/year α-olefin pilot plant at its Zhoushan Green Petrochemical Base. The facility uses domestically developed catalytic systems and production processes, marking a significant achievement in China's self-reliant α-olefin production capabilities.

On September 26, 2024, PetroChina Blue Ocean New Materials began construction of its high-end polyolefin project in Nantong, Jiangsu. With a total investment of 11.6 billion RMB, the project includes facilities for FDPE, ethylene-propylene rubber, POE, and α-olefin production, along with hydrogen electrolysis systems.

In November 2024, the National Energy Group's Beijing Low-Carbon Clean Energy Research Institute successfully completed the continuous production of coal-based polyolefin elastomers (POE). The process, using domestically developed technology, matches the performance of petroleum-based POE and represents a breakthrough in industrial-scale coal-based production.

On December 12, 2024, Hebei Sifriend New Materials received environmental clearance for its 100,000-ton/year α-olefin project in Cangzhou. The project, part of a larger 745,000-ton/year integrated materials initiative, is expected to reinforce China's production capacity for high-end α-olefins.