Borouge starts specialty PP compounding plant in Austria

Borouge International has started commercial operation of its specialty polypropylene compounding facility in Schwechat, Austria. The start-up follows an investment of more than €100 million to expand and upgrade the site. The facility strengthens the company's manufacturing footprint in Europe and is intended to support a reliable regional supply of advanced compounds. According to Borouge International, the project also supports regional economic growth, reinforces Austria's role as a location for advanced industrial production and expands Schwechat's function as a hub for innovation, manufacturing and customer collaboration.

The opening was attended by members of the Borouge International Executive Board: Chief Executive Officer Roger Kearns, Chief Operating Officer Dr Hasan Karam and Chief Commercial Officer Roland Janssen. Austrian representatives included Dr Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, and Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria.

Roger Kearns said: "Strengthening Borouge International’s European industrial base is essential to maintaining competitiveness, resilience and future growth. The Schwechat expansion adds important capability to our asset base and reinforces Austria’s role as a strategic hub for Borouge International. It is an investment in our future that strengthens our position in attractive markets and creates long-term value for our stakeholders."

Compounds containing recycled polypropylene

At the new facility, polypropylene resins are compounded with recycled polypropylene and performance-enhancing additives. The process produces tailored material solutions designed to combine lightweight construction, optimized performance and increased circularity.

The expansion increases the availability of specialty compounds for appliances, structured products and household applications. In these segments, materials containing recycled content are intended to help manufacturers respond to growing market demand.

For mobility applications, more circular materials can support car manufacturers in meeting the requirements of the European End-of-Life Vehicles regulation. Lightweight polypropylene compounds can also reduce the overall weight of battery electric vehicles and contribute to lowering their environmental impact.

In infrastructure applications, the specialty compounds are used in protective coating solutions for steel pipes that transport oil and gas at high temperatures. The materials are intended to provide corrosion resistance and long-term performance under demanding operating conditions.

Investment in Austrian production capacity

Dr Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer commented: "Our ambition is clear: Austria should remain at the forefront of industry. To achieve this, we aim to leverage our state-owned holdings strategically and strengthen international partnerships, such as with Abu Dhabi. With Borouge International, one of the world’s leading chemical companies has been established with its headquarters in Vienna. This is representing a tremendous opportunity for Austria as a business location. The investment of more than EUR 100 million in Schwechat demonstrates the tangible benefits the new company brings to Austria: new production capacities, domestic value creation, and jobs. We are committed to continuing along this path with determination."