Sinopec: Subsidiary Starts Up World’s Largest PVOH Plant

Chinese state-owned petrochemical group Sinopec has commissioned a new plant for the production of the thermoplastic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH or PVA).

According to a company press release, the facility at the Chongqing site in southwestern China has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes of PVOH. Developed by group subsidiary Sinopec Chongqing SVW Chemical Co., the complex is considered the world’s largest single PVOH production unit. Construction took around 17 months.

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The new plant uses advanced alcoholysis and precision purification technologies as well as a newly developed polymerisation process. Waste gas and wastewater recovery systems have also been integrated, along with an automated packaging line.

Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble and biodegradable polymer with a broad range of applications. PVOH materials are used, among other things, in the production of optical films, polarisers, pharmaceutical products and water-soluble packaging, as well as in the automotive, textile and construction materials industries.

With the new facility, Sinopec’s total PVOH production capacity at its Chongqing site has increased to around 210,000 tonnes per year. Its portfolio comprises more than 100 PVOH grades. According to the latest company statement, the additional capacity is intended in particular to meet demand from the photovoltaic and electronics industries.

Chinese state-controlled Sinopec reported an operating profit of CNY 40.5 billion (EUR 5.2 billion) and a net profit of CNY 31.8 billion (EUR 4.1 billion) for the 2023 financial year, on revenue of CNY 2.784 trillion (EUR 357.9 billion).

More information: www.sinopecgroup.com

Sinopec Group, Chongqing, China