BP Licenses PTA Tech to Weilian Chemical in China

BP has agreed to license its latest-generation PTA technology to China’s Dongying Weilian Chemical. Under the terms of the contract, BP will license its latest generation of PTA technology to Dongying United Petrochemical for the production of purified terephthalic acid in China.

A subsidiary of Dongying United Petrochemical, Weilian Chemical plans to build a 2.5 million tonne per year plant at the Dongying Port Economic Development Zone in the eastern province of Shandong.

The technology selection was made following a global bidding process that was initiated in 2019, according to BP. The unit’s design is under way and due for completion by mid-2020. Production is expected to start by the second quarter of 2022.

“We are pleased to be able to provide BP’s most advanced PTA technology, bpPTAg5, to Weilian Chemical, helping our partners to grow their business to meet the demand for high-quality products with a lower carbon footprint. Together, we hope to lay strong foundations for future cooperation,” said Rita Griffin, chief operating officer at BP Petrochemicals.

“Adding a PTA production facility is an important step for our company to accelerate industrial transformation, while improving quality and efficiency. We are delighted to work together with BP, providing us with leading technology and services. With BP’s support, we believe our PTA project will start-up successfully, showcasing the fruitful cooperation between us,” said Li Zhanchen, chairman of Dongying United Petrochemical Co.

China is the world’s largest PTA producer, a key feedstock for the production of polyester plastics, and accounts for more than half of global production.

The deal marks BP’s third PTA licensing project in China, the other two include Dushan Energy’s 2.2 million tonne per year plant in Pinghu, Zhejiang province and Ningxia Baota Chemical Fibre Co., Ltd’s 1.2 million tonne per year plant in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

BP’s joint venture with Zhuhai Port Company, BP Zhuhai also uses BP’s latest technology to produce 1.25 million tonne per year PTA at its Zhuhai 3 plant.