ExxonMobil has begun production at a new 650,000 t/yr polyethylene (PE) unit in Beaumont, Texas, according to a letter sent to customers yesterday.
The new unit will produce linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) grades and will expand capacity at the site by 65pc to 1.7mn t/yr.
The company began flaring in late June as part of start-up activities, which will continue in the coming weeks as it works to reach commercial operating levels.
The new plant is just the latest in more than 8.8mn t/yr of new PE capacity that has come online or will come online in the US between 2017 and 2021.
New production will contribute to an already well-supplied US market.
