New Joffre LLDPE Reactor Reaches Mechanical Completion
Calgary, Alberta, Canada (September 7, 2016) – NOVA Chemicals Corporation (“NOVA Chemicals”) today announced the mechanical completion of its PE1 Expansion project – a third gas phase reactor at the company’s Joffre, Alberta site. The reactor is designed to produce approximately one billion pounds of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) annually, a 40 percent production increase in the Joffre site nameplate polyethylene capacity to approximately 3.5 billion pounds.
The new volume will be NOVAPOL® butene LLDPE resin to help meet the ever growing demand for flexible film products such as food packaging, heavy duty sack and collation shrink. NOVA Chemicals’ butene LLDPE products are already known in the industry for a range of benefits including excellent balance of physical properties, product uniformity and consistency, and best-in-class gel performance.
“Our expansion of the Joffre site with the addition of a third gas phase LLDPE reactor is a key component of our growth strategy to support growing polyethylene demand,” said Senior Vice President, Polyethylene Business Chris Bezaire. “As we collaborate with our customers, we are excited to bring updated technology to drive better resins, structures and applications.” A phase of equipment testing will be followed by start-up and production of LLDPE, expected in the fourth quarter of 2016. Commercial sales are expected to begin in late 2016 or early 2017. This will be the first new LLDPE reactor to start-up in the Americas in a decade.
###
About NOVA Chemicals
NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals and plastic resins that make everyday life safer, healthier and easier. Our employees work to ensure health, safety, security and environmental stewardship through our commitment to sustainability and Responsible Care®. NOVA Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
About NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Business
The NOVA Chemicals polyethylene business enables its customers’ success with a portfolio of more than 125 specialized SURPASS®, SCLAIR® and NOVAPOL® resins. Each new NOVA Chemicals resin is developed to meet customer requirements, from drop-in consistency to step-out performance attributes. Our customer-centric approach is driven by our brand promises of Focused Expertise, Applied Innovation, Proactive Service and Reliable Supply.
###
Media inquiries, please contact:
Courtney Myers
Havas PR
Tel: +1.412.456.4707
E-mail: courtney.myers@havasww.com
The NOVA Chemicals logo and NOVAPOL are registered trademarks of NOVA Brands Ltd.; authorized use. SCLAIR and SURPASS are registered trademarks of NOVA Chemicals Corporation in Canada and of NOVA Chemicals (International) S.A. elsewhere; authorized use.
