SIBUR begins construction of Russia's largest production facility for catalysts for modern materials

The first facilities to be built within the framework of the project will be for the production of chromium catalysts

SIBUR has started the construction of Russia's largest production facility for catalysts for modern materials. The facility will allow SIBUR to create a full cycle of innovations in the industry, from laboratory developments to industrial production of modern synthetic materials.

About 90% of processes in the petrochemical industry require the use of catalysts. In the process of obtaining base polymers, catalysts ensure the fundamental course of the reaction, and the properties of the material and the quality of the finished product largely depend on them.

Oksana Kostomarova, young scientist, chief expert of the polyolefin synthesis laboratory of the SIBUR Innovations research center, said: “We set the structure of the polymer with an accuracy down to the tactile sensation. The same polyethylene can be soft, like bread packaging, or hard, like that used to make gas tanks. If we make a catalyst for packaging, strength with minimal thickness is important to us. For medicine - biocompatibility and sterilizability. For the automotive industry - resistance to impacts and temperature deformations. The catalyst becomes the starting point — the parameters that then affect the economy, safety and ease of use depend on it. It is similar to programming, only at the chemical level."

The first facilities to be built within the framework of the project will be for the production of chromium catalysts. This type of catalyst is used at Kazanorgsintez, ZapSibNeftekhim, and will also be used at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex. Chromium catalysts are indispensable in the production of film and blown polyethylene grades, used, for example, to produce bottles and fuel tanks. Completion of construction and launch of production are expected in 2027. Investments in the production of chromium catalysts alone will amount to more than 11 billion rubles.

The second stage is planned to build a production facility for metallocene catalysts, which are used to produce particularly durable polyethylene grades, for example, for pipes with a service life of up to 100 years. The technology for such catalysts was obtained by scientists from Moscow State University: this development is planned for use at Nizhnekamskneftekhim to produce metallocene polyethylene.

Aliya Khusnuriyalova, PhD in Chemistry, young scientist, expert at the polyolefin synthesis laboratory of the SIBUR Innovations research center, added: "At SIBUR, we combine fundamental and industrial science, creating high-quality solutions and cool innovative products. Joint work with scientific institutes helps develop domestic technologies that are not inferior to Western analogues. One of the promising projects is the development of metallocene catalysts. They have an extremely high activity, almost unattainable for traditional catalysts. Metallocene catalysts allow for targeted regulation of the molecular structure of polymers and the production of a wide range of new polymer materials with improved characteristics."

Mikhail Karisalov, Chairman of the Management Board, General Director of SIBUR, said: The start of construction of the catalyst factory in Kazan is an important step towards creating a full cycle of innovations in petrochemistry, where science becomes the starting point of development. We are creating an innovative platform, combining fundamental research, applied engineering, digital solutions and industrial competencies. We don’t just localize technologies – we create new markets and set standards for industry development for years to come.