Exxon Chemical acquired this polymers plant in 1979 from USI. The original plant was constructed in 1968.

Good to Know

ExxonMobil Chemical produces two types of low density polyethylene (LDPE) in Antwerp: homopolymers and copolymers.

Copolymers of polyethylene are made using additional raw materials (comonomers) during the production process. These give the polyethylene special properties. Although most of the LDPE produced is sold on the European markets, export outside Europe is also important.

LDPE is used in a wide range of applications. ExxonMobil Chemical supplies its products to many industries. Homopolymers are used primarily for coating paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, packaging films for food and plastic carrier bags. Copolymers are used in adhesives, shoe soles, buggy wheels, sound insulation etc.

What We Do

At Antwerp Polymers Plant the ethylene gas is polymerised into polyethylene under high-pressure in stirred autoclave reactors. The pressure involved can reach 2,000 bar. During the polymerisation, the molecules of ethylene gas are strung together into longer chains. This converts the gas into a solid substance, plastic. Antwerp Polymers Plant makes low density polyethylene (LDPE).

Nice to Know!

With its 6 reactors, Ionomer Unit, compounding facilities and 102 silos, Antwerp Polymers possesses a very large processing flexibility. In combination with the use of different co-monomers, this enables the site to offer a range of some 100 different products.

Fact Sheet