Idemitsu SM Malaysia, a subsidiary of the prominent Japanese petrochemical producer Idemitsu Kosan Co, has outlined its plan to maintain the utilization of its styrene production capacity at a robust level of 90-100% until the conclusion of January. This commitment comes in the wake of a temporary closure of its styrene production facility, which possesses a total annual capacity of 240 thousand tons, initiated on October 16 due to a technical malfunction. The anticipated duration of this closure was initially speculated to extend until December 19.

In earlier reports, it was highlighted that Idemitsu SM Malaysia, a subsidiary under the umbrella of the major Japanese petrochemical entity Idemitsu Kosan Co, had ceased its styrene production activities in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, on June 16, 2022. The reason behind this suspension was attributed to a technical breakdown, setting in motion a series of corrective measures and maintenance initiatives.

Southeast Asia is home to several key players in the production of styrene monomer, including Ellba Eastern in Singapore, Styrindo Mono Indonesia, and Siam Styrene Co. These entities contribute significantly to the regional landscape of styrene manufacturing, each playing a vital role in meeting the demand for this crucial raw material.

Styrene, being the principal raw material for the synthesis of polystyrene (PS), holds pivotal importance in various industries. Idemitsu Kosan Co, as a Japanese oil company, boasts ownership of oil platforms and refineries. The company is actively engaged in the production and distribution of petroleum and petrochemical products, further solidifying its presence in the energy and chemical sectors. Idemitsu Kosan Co operates two petrochemical plants, strategically located in Chiba and Tokuyama, contributing to the overall petrochemical landscape in Japan.

The combined capacity of the two crackers under Idemitsu Kosan's purview amounts to an impressive 997 thousand tonnes of ethylene per year. This underscores the company's substantial contribution to ethylene production, a crucial component in various petrochemical processes.

Idemitsu SM Malaysia's strategic decision to maintain high levels of styrene production capacity underscores its commitment to meeting market demands and reinforcing its position as a key player in the global petrochemical arena. The temporary disruption due to a technical breakdown serves as a testament to the challenges inherent in the industry, but with proactive measures and dedicated maintenance efforts, the company aims to swiftly resume operations. The broader context of Southeast Asia's styrene production landscape, with other notable players in the region, emphasizes the collaborative efforts and significance of this sector in meeting the evolving needs of diverse industries that rely on styrene as a fundamental building block.