TotalEnergies and Borealis Bring New Polyethylene Unit Online

TotalEnergies and Borealis announced that their joint venture Baystar has officially commenced operations of its new polyethylene unit with a capacity of 625,000 metric tons per year. The new unit, valued at USD 1.4 billion, completes the partners' integrated petrochemicals initiative, which includes the expanded Bayport PE facility and the ethane cracker at the TotalEnergies Platform in Port Arthur, Texas. The new PE unit, designated Bay 3, contributes to Baystar's total annual production exceeding one million tons, which also includes two older polyethylene production units at the facility. Bay 3 features the latest proprietary Borstar® 3G technology, licensed for the first time in North America. Borstar technology is recognized for delivering advanced high-value polymers with improved sustainability by enabling the use of lighter weight and greater quantities of post-consumer recycled material in various end products serving the energy, infrastructure and consumer goods sectors. Bernard Pinatel, President of TotalEnergies Refining and Chemicals, stated: "Following the opening of the ethane cracker unit in Port Arthur last year, the commencement of the new PE unit marks the second milestone in this joint venture aimed at transforming Baystar into a fully integrated US petrochemicals company. The success of this initiative also advances TotalEnergies' growth objectives in the United States." Thomas Gangl, CEO of Borealis, said: "The arrival of Borealis's proprietary Borstar technology to North America through Baystar represents a significant step for us in our path to becoming a global leader in advanced and sustainable chemicals and materials solutions, in line with our shareholders' strategies. Expanding and deepening our footprint through Baystar enables us to better serve our customers and partners by providing improved access to Borstar-based products manufactured in North America." Source