Sinopec Launches Ethylene Complex in Tianjin, Northern China

Sinopec announced on Wednesday that it has successfully commenced operations at a new ethylene complex in northern China, marking a significant development in the country’s push to expand its petrochemical industry. The new ethylene plant, which is located in the Nangang industrial zone in Tianjin, a major port city near Beijing, has a production capacity of 1.2 million tons per year (tpy). This plant is strategically designed to produce 4 million tons annually of high-end chemical products and fine chemical feedstocks, positioning Sinopec as a key player in the global petrochemical sector.

This new complex is part of China’s broader initiative to build and expand large-scale petrochemical plants, aligning with the country's industrial growth objectives. Sinopec’s investment in this advanced ethylene plant highlights its commitment to enhancing its petrochemical and chemical production capacities, contributing to the national goal of increasing self-sufficiency in high-quality chemical feedstocks. With this addition, Sinopec’s Tianjin subsidiary now has a total ethylene production capacity of 2.5 million tpy, significantly boosting its output and reinforcing Sinopec’s dominance in the sector.

The ethylene complex is not just a simple plant but is integrated with Sinopec Tianjin’s 320,000 barrels per day refinery, further enhancing the efficiency of operations at the site. This integration ensures a seamless and reliable supply of raw materials to the ethylene plant while optimizing energy usage across the entire facility. The refinery’s substantial output coupled with the new ethylene capacity enhances Sinopec’s ability to produce a wide range of petrochemical products efficiently and cost-effectively.

The ethylene complex supports 13 downstream projects, which include the production of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a high-performance plastic widely used in packaging, and polyolefin elastomers (POE), a versatile chemical with properties of both rubber and plastic. POE has become a critical material in the automotive, medical, and toy industries, thanks to its flexibility, durability, and ability to withstand various environmental conditions. The inclusion of these advanced materials in the downstream production reflects Sinopec’s focus on producing high-value chemical products that meet the growing demand across diverse industries.

In addition to the plant’s production capabilities, Sinopec has designed the ethylene complex with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The facility is partly powered by solar energy, contributing to its goal of reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency. The design also prioritizes water conservation and energy efficiency, ensuring that the plant operates in an environmentally responsible manner while meeting its high production targets.

The new ethylene complex in Tianjin represents a strategic expansion for Sinopec, strengthening its position in the global petrochemical market. By focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and the production of high-demand chemical products, Sinopec is well-poised to capitalize on the growth of key sectors such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and packaging. This development further solidifies Sinopec’s role as a leader in both the domestic and global petrochemical industries.