South Korea’s GS Caltex to start up new HDPE plant

According to market sources, South Korean petrochemical producer – GS Caltex is planning to start up the new HDPE plant in Yeosu this June 2021, earlier than the initial plan of 2022.

The HDPE unit has an annual capacity of 500,000 tons/year that would concentrate on producing the film (TR-144, TRB-115), blow molding (5520BN or BM593), and injection (6060 or 6060UV) grades. 

Also at the same complex is the new mixed-feed cracker that produces 700,000 tons/year of ethylene. 

The project is a 50-50 joint venture between GS Energy Corp. and Chevron Corp., costing 2 trillion won ($1.84 billion) that started construction work in 2019. 

GS Caltex is currently operating an existing 180,000 tons/year PP plant.