SIBUR begins testing its proprietary metallocene catalyst for premium polyethylene production

7 May 2026. SIBUR has confirmed the efficiency and quality of its proprietary metallocene catalyst, a key component in the production of premium polyethylene grades. The catalyst formulation and production technology were developed by scientists at the SIBUR Innovations R&D centre, in partnership with the A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis of the Russian Academy of Sciences (TIPS RAS).

As part of the project, a pilot-industrial batch of 750 kg of catalyst was produced. The samples successfully passed analytical and laboratory testing, confirming compliance with key parameters, including particle size distribution and elemental composition. Preliminary polymerisation tests demonstrated that the catalyst matches benchmark analogues in both efficiency and quality. The next stage will involve testing the catalyst at Kazanorgsintez industrial facilities.

Metallocene catalysts are used to produce metallocene polyethylene, a modern class of polymers characterised by narrow molecular weight distribution and controlled chain structure. This type of polyethylene offers improved strength, optical and barrier properties, and is widely used in flexible packaging, film production and high-tech applications.

Ilya Nifantyev, Doctor of Chemical Sciences and Professor at TIPS RAS, stated:

“Metallocene systems involve highly sophisticated chemistry, and combining expertise enables us to find solutions and bring them to industrial application within short timeframes. Importantly, SIBUR possesses unique pilot infrastructure that makes it possible to test technologies and introduce necessary adjustments to formulations and processes before transferring them to large-scale production.”

Sergey Tutov, Director of Research and Innovation at SIBUR, commented:

“Our goal is to fully meet our own catalyst demand — a key specialty component in polymer production — by 2030 through the development of our own capacities and partner network. At the same time, this is not only about technological independence, but also about flexible control over material properties, opening access to new product types, including those unique to the global market.”

In 2025, the Company began construction of Russia’s largest catalyst production facility in Tatarstan, which will operate based on proprietary technologies and joint developments with scientific partners. The first production line — for chromium catalysts — is scheduled to launch in 2027.

SIBUR is creating a full innovation cycle through the development of its R&D infrastructure. A network of 10 research centres across the country enables the Company to build a seamless chain from laboratory research to industrial implementation. The launch of the flagship Research and Technology Scale-Up Centre in Kazan will further accelerate these processes and create an environment for joint developments with partners — technology companies and leading scientific organisations in Russia.

SIBUR’s efforts in this area support the objectives of the national project “New Materials and Chemistry” and create a foundation for technological leadership within the industry.