SIBUR completes development of proprietary chromium catalyst for polyethylene production

2 June 2026. Scientists at the SIBUR Innovation R&D Centre have successfully completed testing of the company’s proprietary chromium catalyst for the production of high-density polyethylene and confirmed its readiness for launch on the first line of the catalyst plant in Kazan.

High-density polyethylene is the most widely used type of polyethylene in Russia. Thanks to its combination of strength, chemical resistance, and ease of processing, it is in high demand for the production of packaging, films, pipes, jerrycans, bottles, and a range of household and industrial products.

The catalyst has successfully passed a series of laboratory and pilot-scale industrial tests at Kazanorgsintez facilities. These tests confirmed that the new development is on par with foreign alternatives in terms of efficiency and quality. The proprietary catalyst ensures stable operation at high production rates and enables the production of film and blow-moulding polyethylene grades with specified melt flow indices and strong physical and mechanical properties. Based on the test results, specialists developed recommendations for catalyst activation conditions and polymerization reactor operating parameters.

This and other chromium catalysts developed using SIBUR’s proprietary formulations, as well as formulations created in cooperation with the country’s leading scientific organizations, will be produced at SIBUR’s catalyst plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in Kazan next year.

A significant share of Russia’s high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production capacity operates using chromium catalysts. SIBUR’s proprietary catalysts will be used at the company’s HDPE production facilities at ZapSibNeftekhim, Kazanorgsintez, and the Amur Gas Chemical Complex (Amur GCC). Following the launch of the Amur GCC, the volume of polyethylene produced using chromium catalysts across SIBUR’s operations will exceed 1.6 million tonnes per year.

SIBUR’s development of a proprietary chromium catalyst is part of the company’s large-scale programme to create domestic technologies for the petrochemical industry. The company has consistently expanded its scientific and production capabilities in the field of catalysts, which are key components that determine the efficiency and quality of polymer production.

An important milestone in this effort was the construction of SIBUR’s catalyst plant, which will become the largest in Russia and will enable production of advanced catalytic systems for basic polymers. The development of in-house production capabilities will enable the company to accelerate the introduction of new solutions, increase the flexibility of its product portfolio, and reduce the industry’s dependence on imported technologies. The launch of the chromium catalyst production line is scheduled for 2027.