Rifd Petrochemical Company, a Saudi-based entity, will build a new ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plant in Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The plant will be the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
It will use mature and proven European technology with long-time production competency. The new plant will be designed to have a production capacity of 16,000 tons per year of UHMWPE products with different grades that suit the local and international market requirements, where the plant will also be designed to have the capability and provision for future expansion based on plant products demand and development.
The UHMWPE plant will commence production by the end of 2028, utilizing the main feedstock (ethylene gas) from the adjacent petrochemical complex. The plant production will cover all molecular weights and particle size ranges and will be produced as a powder.
This broad range of molecular weights will meet the needs of the main applications such as Lithium-Ion battery separators (LIBS) for EV cars and renewal energy, military defense and vehicles/soldiers protection (bulletproof vest and helmet), biomedical applications (implant parts), maritime (ship lifting ropes and offshore mooring lines), construction (heavy left slings), and manufacture of sheets and parts that replace metals.
The UHMWPE, sometimes called a “super polymer,” is a highly differentiated polymer with toughness higher than steel, high impact resistance, and self-lubricating capability, among other noble properties.
Rifd Petrochemical Company will ensure plant sustainability and make a major contribution to the clean environment and renewable energy.
