LyondellBasell Pursues New Electric Furnace Technology, Collaborates with Technip Energies and Chevron Phillips

HOUSTON, TX, USA — LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) recently announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Technip Energies and Chevron Phillips Chemical to potentially design, construct, and operate a demonstration unit using Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology (eFurnace by T. EN™). A joint development agreement is expected to be signed later this year.

This new eFurnace technology could enable the company to use renewable electricity as a heat source for the olefins cracking process in the future, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of its olefins production process, and helping the company meet its ambitious climate targets.

“We are taking decisive steps to reduce our absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, while creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” said Peter Vanacker, CEO of LyondellBasell. “Deployment of an industrial-scale electric cracking furnace is one option we are considering in this space because of its ability to reduce furnace GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional furnace.”

Construction of the demonstration unit, which would be the first for LyondellBasell, is an essential step in the development of eFurnace technology and a critical pre-condition for potential future construction of a full-scale unit. It will enable the company to test the technology and confirm continuous olefin production is possible using electricity as a heat source.

We are delighted to team up with LyondellBasell and CPChem to bring the eFurnace by T. EN™ to fruition,” said Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies. “Consistent with our purpose to engineer a much-needed sustainable future, Technip Energies is making huge strides toward reducing the CO2 emissions resulting from the production of ethylene and this design will enable olefins producers to take advantage of the growing supply of available renewable energy to operate the most energy-intensive part of the plant.”

The LyondellBasell Channelview site offers an optimal environment for the demonstration unit due to its operational excellence, feedstock flexibility, and electric grid infrastructure proximity to the other MOU parties and access to expertise at the company’s Houston Technology Center. The three parties plan to assemble a joint development team to support implementation of the project.

“Climate change is a global issue that will take action from all segments of society, and we want to be part of the solution by reducing the intensity of our carbon footprint,” said Bruce Chinn, President, and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical. “This project supports our efforts toward lowering the carbon intensity of our operations and demonstrates our continued focus on accelerating change for a sustainable future.”

LyondellBasell is committed to reaching net zero scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and has set ambitious interim targets to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42%, and scope 3 GHG emissions 30% by 2030, relative to a 2020 baseline. To reach these targets, the company is deploying emissions reduction initiatives at its sites. The company has also announced plans to develop an integrated hub in Houston to support the growth of its circular and low carbon solutions business, which will leverage existing capabilities at its sites in Houston, such as Channelview.

For more information go to Lyondellbassel.com

NPE2024, The Largest Plastics Trade Show in the Americas, will Bring Industry Leaders from Around the World to Orlando, Florida, in May 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced today that exhibit space at NPE2024: The Plastics Show, the global platform for innovation in plastics, has completely sold out. With more than 1.1 million net square feet of exhibit space, this is a significant achievement 12 months ahead of the triennial trade show. NPE previously surpassed the NPE2018 exhibit sales record in March at the NPE2024 Space Draw.

“More than 2,000 exhibitors will participate in NPE2024: The Plastics Show in Orlando. Continued exhibitor enthusiasm reflects NPE’s importance to the global plastics industry,” said

Matt Seaholm, President, and CEO of PLASTICS. “We are excited to showcase the latest advancements in plastic materials, manufacturing, recycling, and processing – including innovations from more than 180 first-time NPE exhibitors.”

“NPE is more than a trade show; it is a hands-on experience. It’s where professionals across every industry gather to witness leading-edge plastics innovation and technology while advancing their business, building partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities to build a more sustainable economy,” stated Glenn Anderson, COO of PLASTICS. Exhibitors from 34 countries, including India, Italy, Germany, and Japan, will be at the highly anticipated global trade show.

With more than 55,000 attendees expected, NPE2024 will be the largest plastics event in the Western Hemisphere promising a unique “Made for You” experience that surpasses previous NPE events. Registration will open on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

The latest advancements in products and services will be highlighted in six sold-out technology zones, including an Advanced Manufacturing Zone, Bottle Zone, Materials Science Zone, Moldmaking Zone, Recycling & Sustainability Zone, and Packaging Zone.

“With an end goal of diverting 100% of the recyclable plastic waste generated during the event, sustainability is not just a category at NPE2024,” stated Annina Donaldson, Chair of the NPE2024 Sales and Marketing Committee. “Sustainability is a commitment incorporated into every detail.”

“The onsite NPE recycling center will do more than reduce waste inside the Orange County Convention Center – this dualpurpose space will serve as a live, interactive display for attendees to learn about the latest recycling techniques. Exhibitors will also be offered end-of-show recycling and donation opportunities for materials they don’t want to ship back home to reduce our carbon footprint,” Donaldson added.

Companies interested in exhibiting at NPE2024 can visit

NPE.org/Exhibit to add their name to the growing exhibitor waitlist. Should space become available, prospective exhibitors will be contacted in the order received.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $468 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the sixth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.

For more information about NPE2024: The Plastics Show, visit: NPE.org. Connect with NPE2024 through Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest #NPE2024 news and insights. Contact Elizabeth Domenech at 787.587.3213, Media for NPE2024, or go to pr@npe.org