ExxonMobil announces the successful startup of its new polypropylene production unit at its polyolefins plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The unit increases polypropylene production capacity along the Gulf Coast by 450,000 metric tons per year, meeting growing demand for high-performance, lightweight and durable plastics, particularly for automotive parts that can improve fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions.

Polypropylene is also used to improve the safety and efficiency of everyday products like medical masks and food packaging.

ExxonMobil doubles polypropylene production at Baton Rouge.

“With the startup of this new production unit, we are well positioned to responsibly meet the growing global demand for these high-performance polymers,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions.

The company maintained its investments in this advantaged project through the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic downturn. The total capital investment was more than US$500 million. Its extensive mega-project management experience and unrivaled technology capability enabled the unit to start up according to planned cost and schedule.

ExxonMobil’s integrated operations in Baton Rouge include a more than 500,000 barrel-per-day refinery, as well as chemical, lubricants, polyolefins and plastics manufacturing.