Ghadir Petrochemical Company in Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province, has broken a 15-year production record, according to a statement released by the company.
The Iranian petrochemical firm set new production milestones over the last 11 months by producing over 123,000 tons of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21, 2022) until Feb. 19, 2023, which is unprecedented in the company’s history, the National Petrochemical Company’s news website reported.
The current output shows a 125% increase compared to the output in the same period last year. This has allowed Ghadir to reach a production of 110% of its nominal capacity, as stated by the company.
The company has also succeeded in expanding its production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) to 100% of its nominal capacity. The company's daily production of VCM has also hit a record of 460 tons per day.
Using cutting-edge technology and innovative methods has been among the reasons for the higher output this year.
The company's feedstock is chlorine and ethylene. Ethylene is supplied via pipeline in western Iran and chlorine is supplied by Arvand Petrochemical Company.
Established on a 15-hectare area, it also produces vinyl chloride monomer with an annual production capacity of 150,000 tons.
The company’s products are used in manufacturing various types of pipes, hoses, electrical insulation, door and window frames, cabinets and automotive parts.
Plans are underway to further increase PVC output in the country. Iran currently produces close to 700,000 tons of PVC per year.
Another project is also underway to build a Polyvinyl Chloride Suspension Resin (SPVC) unit, with a production capacity of 300,000 tons a year at the Arvand Petrochemical Company in Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province.
The new unit, projected to become operational in 2024, will help add 300,000 tons of PVC to Iran’s current production capacity of 700,000 tons per year.
Domestic Sales
The plant’s domestic sales of SPVC and EPVC [PVC emulsions] rose by 21% and 10% respectively during the first nine months of the current Iranian year [March -December 2022].
Providing downstream industries with raw materials is one of the goals of the company. Supporting knowledge-based companies and strengthening self-sufficiency in the production of various chemicals are among other missions of the company.
The sales of the company's products increased from 867,000 tons in 2017 to over 1 million tons last year. While the company’s sales amounted to $50 million five years ago, the figure reached $475 million in 2021.
PVC is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer (after polyethylene and polypropylene).
It is a vinyl chain polymer and retains its position among top three polymers, coming as it does after polyethylene and polypropylene.
The global PVC market size is estimated to reach $108.12 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.
The market is mainly driven by high demand in some of the high-profile industries that include electrical and electronics, building and construction, automotive and packaging.
Polyvinyl chloride possesses fire-retardant properties and oil/chemical resistance. It is identified with further properties such as being lightweight, having good mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and durability.
An ever-increasing population has led to the proliferation of industries using polyvinyl chloride. A spurt in consumer electronic products and lightweight automotive products has increased demand for polyvinyl chloride.
