Tianjin Bohai, a prominent player in China’s petrochemical landscape, has successfully resumed the production of propylene oxide at its facility located in Tianjin, China. The restart operation, which took place on October 25, marks a significant milestone, as it follows a temporary shutdown necessitated by a technical breakdown. Repair activities at the facility, which possesses an impressive production capacity of 200,000 metric tons of propylene oxide per year, were initiated on October 21 to address the technical issues.

Prior to this development, Tianjin Bohai had made headlines for the resumption of ethylene and propylene production at a methanol-to-olefins (MTO) plant in Tianjin, China. This particular facility, boasting a substantial capacity of 1.8 million metric tons per year, plays a pivotal role in the production of ethylene and propylene, with production capabilities amounting to 328,000 metric tons of ethylene and 349,000 metric tons of propylene per year. The temporary closure of this unit occurred on September 1 of the current year and was necessitated by the need for repairs to ensure its continued efficient operation. The successful resumption of ethylene and propylene production at this critical facility underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its dedication to maintaining a consistent supply chain.

Propylene, the primary product of the Tianjin Bohai facility, holds a central position in the production of polypropylene (PP). Polypropylene is a versatile and widely used polymer with applications spanning various industries, including plastics and packaging.

An analysis of the supply dynamics in the polypropylene market reveals noteworthy trends. According to ScanPlast’s review, the supply of polypropylene to the Russian market during the first eight months of 2023 reached a significant volume of 1,034.76 thousand metric tons. This calculation, which considers production, import, and export (excluding exports to Belarus and Kazakhstan), reflects a notable increase of 10% when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. These statistics underline the growing demand for polypropylene in the Russian market, emphasizing its enduring significance in manufacturing and other applications.

Tianjin Bohai stands as a significant conglomerate in China, comprising large enterprises with an impressive annual sales volume exceeding 10 billion yuan and an annual import and export volume surpassing USD 0.3 billion. The company’s extensive product portfolio encompasses a diverse array of products, totaling nearly 147,500 items. These offerings span a wide spectrum, encompassing polymers, caustic soda, organic and inorganic chemical products, rubbers, bioplastics, and more. The company’s expansive operations and product range solidify its position as a key player in China’s petrochemical industry.

The significance of propylene as a critical component in the production of polypropylene is underscored by the growing demand for polypropylene in the Russian market, as indicated by the ScanPlast review. The data reflects a substantial increase in consumption, highlighting the compound’s enduring importance in manufacturing and other applications.